What Is Pelvic Girdle Pain?

Recognising the Symptoms

Knowing the tell-tale signs of PGP helps you seek help early. Typical symptoms include:

• Pain in the groin, pubic area or buttocks: Often felt on one or both sides.
• Clicking or grinding sensations in the pelvis.
• Difficulty walking or standing: You may be waddling or favouring one side.
• Pain when turning in bed or transitioning from a sitting to a standing position.
• Instability or a feeling that your pelvis will ‘give way’.

If left unmanaged, these symptoms can significantly impair daily activities and quality of life.

Diagnosing Pelvic Girdle Pain

A thorough diagnosis often involves:

1. Medical history & symptom review: Discussing onset, aggravating factors and past injuries.
2. Physical examination: A trained Chiropractor or Osteopath will perform special tests (e.g., the Posterior Pelvic Pain Provocation test) to pinpoint the source.
3. Imaging (if necessary): X-rays or MRI scans can rule out fractures, inflammation or other spinal conditions.

Early assessment by qualified professionals ensures a clear treatment plan and prevents chronicity.

Evidence-Based Treatment Options

Managing pelvic girdle pain usually involves a combination of conservative therapies. Below are the main approaches supported by UK guidelines:

1. Physiotherapy & Exercise Therapy

Physiotherapists guide you through targeted exercises to:

• Strengthen core and pelvic floor muscles.
• Enhance joint stability through targeted mobility exercises.
• Enhance posture and biomechanics.

Moreover, NICE guidelines recommend supervised exercise programmes as first-line treatment for PGP Home.

2. Chiropractic Care

A Chiropractor uses manual adjustment techniques to:

• Realign sacroiliac joints and improve pelvic symmetry.
• Reduce muscle tension via soft tissue therapies.
• Promote normal joint function to alleviate pain.

The General Chiropractic Council regulates chiropractic care, focusing on musculoskeletal health, to ensure safe and targeted interventions.

3. Osteopathic Treatment

Osteopaths registered with the General Osteopathic Council adopt a holistic approach, including:

• Articulation and manipulation of pelvic joints.
• Gentle soft tissue massage to release tight ligaments.
• Exercise advice to reinforce the effects of treatment at home.

Under ASA guidance, osteopaths may claim to treat musculoskeletal conditions, such as PGP, backing their practice with robust evidence.

4. Pelvic Support Belts & Taping

Support belts can:

• Stabilise the pelvic joints, especially during standing or walking.
• Reduce strain on ligaments.

Taping by a trained practitioner may offer additional proprioceptive support.

5. Self-Care Strategies

Additionally, you can:

• Apply heat (e.g., hot water bottle) to soothe aching muscles.
• Avoid activities that aggravate symptoms, such as heavy lifting or wide-legged movements.
• Maintain good posture when sitting or standing.
• Use supportive footwear to distribute weight evenly.

When to Seek Professional Help

While mild PGP may improve with self-management, consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

• Severe pain that limits daily activities.
• Numbness or tingling in the legs.
• Bladder or bowel dysfunction, which could indicate nerve involvement.
• No improvement after two weeks of conservative care.

Early intervention by an Osteopath or Chiropractor can prevent progression and restore function more rapidly.

Prevention & Long-Term Management

To minimise your risk of recurrent pelvic girdle pain:

1. Regular exercise: Focus on core stability and hip mobility.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: Excess body mass adds stress to pelvic joints.
3. Ergonomic awareness: Bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting.
4. Posture breaks: Stand and stretch every 30 minutes if sitting for long periods.
5. Professional check-ups: Periodic assessments by a Chiropractor or Osteopath to detect early dysfunction.

Through proactive measures, you can maintain a stable and pain-free pelvis.