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Pelvic Girdle Pain

MHV Clinic for pelvic girdle pain, provided by registered osteopaths. Evidence-based treatment and personalised care to reduce discomfort.

pelvic girdle pain

Understanding Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) refers to the discomfort experienced in the joints and ligaments of the pelvic region, specifically the sacroiliac joints at the back and the pubic symphysis at the front. Although it can affect anyone, PGP is most commonly reported during pregnancy. While PGP is not harmful to your baby, it can significantly limit daily activities and quality of life. Nhs.uk.

First and foremost, recognising the hallmark symptoms of PGP is essential:

  1. Pain location: Front of the pelvis (pubic area), lower back (sacroiliac region), hips or inner thighs.
  2. Movement-related discomfort: Increased pain when standing on one leg, walking, climbing stairs, turning in bed or getting in/out of a car.
  3. Audible signs: Some people hear or feel clicking, grinding, or stiffness in the pelvic joint.

Consequently, understanding what triggers PGP and how it can be managed is crucial for long-term well-being.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

PGP arises when the pelvic joints move unevenly or become stiff, placing strain on surrounding ligaments and muscles. Several factors contribute:

  1. Hormonal changes: During pregnancy, relaxin and other pregnancy hormones soften ligaments to prepare for childbirth. This can increase joint laxity and micro-instability.
  2. Biomechanical alterations: Weight gain and a shifted centre of gravity place extra load on the pelvis and lower back.
  3. Muscle imbalances: As abdominal muscles stretch and weaken, surrounding muscle groups (e.g., glutes, hamstrings) can become overactive, leading to pain.
  4. Previous injury or hypermobility: A history of lower back injury or generalised joint hypermobility raises the risk of PGP.

Pelvic girdle pain is common in pregnancy and, for some women, can be severe enough to affect daily activities. Therefore, early recognition and intervention are key to preventing symptom escalation.

Diagnosis and Professional Assessment

Before commencing any treatment, a thorough assessment by a qualified practitioner is recommended:

  1. Clinical history: Discussion of pain patterns, triggers and previous musculoskeletal issues.
  2. Physical examination: Specialised tests (e.g., the active straight leg raise, pubic symphysis palpation) to confirm pelvic joint involvement.
  3. Referral pathways: According to NICE guidelines, women with pregnancy-related PGP should be referred to physiotherapy services for exercise advice and/or a non-rigid lumbopelvic belt org.ukcks.nice.org.uk.

UK), you can ensure an evidence-informed approach that aligns with UK standards.

pelvic girdle pain

How Osteopathy Helps Alleviate PGP

Osteopathy plays a pivotal role in managing pelvic girdle pain. At MHV Clinic, our osteopaths use a combination of manual techniques and exercise advice:

  1. Exercise advice: Tailored strengthening and stabilisation exercises for pelvic floor, deep abdominal and gluteal muscles to provide joint support.
  2. Postural education: Guidance on sitting, standing and lifting techniques to reduce pelvic strain.
  3. Lumbopelvic belt fitting: Advising on non-rigid belts, which can offload stress from the sacroiliac joints.
  4. Manual therapy: Gentle joint mobilisations and soft-tissue release to restore mobility without overstretching ligaments.

Some patients report improved function and reduced pain after targeted osteopathic treatment, though results vary.

The Role of Osteopathy in Managing PGP

Osteopathy adopts a holistic, whole-body approach to musculoskeletal issues. Our registered osteopaths at MHV Clinic focus on the interrelation between structure and function:

  1. Structural assessment: Evaluating how alignment and tension in the pelvis, spine and soft tissues contribute to PGP.
  2. Gentle manipulative techniques: Low-velocity mobilisation and articulation aimed at improving joint mechanics without aggressive thrusts.
  3. Cranial osteopathy (where appropriate): Light-touch work to address tension patterns that may exacerbate pelvic discomfort.
  4. Lifestyle advice: Including ergonomics at work, sleep positions and activity pacing to complement hands-on treatment.

We do not claim conclusive cures or guaranteed outcomes. Instead, we emphasise that manual therapy may help reduce discomfort and improve mobility, while individual results vary.

Self-Management Strategies and Lifestyle Modifications

While professional treatment is invaluable, self-care forms the foundation of long-term PGP relief:

  1. Pelvic floor and core activation: Simple exercises, such as gentle diaphragmatic breathing and pelvic tilts, can be performed daily to help strengthen these areas.
  2. Ergonomic adjustments: Use supportive chairs, raise car seats to ease entry/exit and avoid crossing legs when sitting.
  3. Heat therapy: Applying a warm heat pack to the pubic area or sacroiliac joints can help relax tight muscles.
  4. Activity modification: Break down tasks into smaller, frequent activities rather than prolonged postures or repetitive movements.

Furthermore, resources from high-quality UK domains, such as the NHS’s “Pelvic pain in pregnancy” page (nhs.uk) and patient leaflets from local NHS trusts, provide credible exercises and advice you can follow at home.

Sample Exercise Programme

Below is an example of a gentle, daily routine, always perform within pain-free limits:

Always consult your registered practitioner before beginning a new exercise plan.

When to Seek Further Help

Although many cases of PGP improve with conservative care, seek immediate review if you experience:

  1. Severe or worsening pain: Not relieved by rest or treatment.
  2. Neurological signs: Numbness, tingling or weakness down one or both legs (possible sciatica).
  3. Red-flag symptoms: Fever, unexplained weight loss or bladder/bowel dysfunction.

In such situations, we may collaborate with your GP or obstetric team for imaging or specialist referral.

What Is Pelvic Girdle Pain

Choosing the Right Practitioner

Selecting a clinic that is fully regulated and insured is paramount:

  1. Osteopaths: Registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC; gosc.org.uk).
  2. Physiotherapists: Chartered members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP; csp.org.uk).

At MHV Clinic, all practitioners hold valid UK registrations, are covered by professional indemnity insurance, and engage in ongoing professional development.

Conclusion & Next Steps

By choosing qualified, regulated practitioners and following NICE guidance, you can make informed decisions about managing PGP.

Ready to take the first step?

Contact MHV Clinic today to arrange your personalised pelvic girdle pain assessment and discover how our osteopaths can help you move pain-free every day.