Pelvic Girdle Pain

Pelvic Girdle Pain, known as “PGP”, is described as any pain occurring in the pelvis (specifically between the iliac crests and the gluteal fold, particularly in the vicinity of the sacroiliac joints). The pain can radiate down the back of the thigh (known as the posterior thigh), and can also occur in conjunction with, or separately in the area between your left pelvic bone and your right pelvic bone, known as the pubic symphysis.

This pain can cause a reduced capacity to stand, walk and sit, leading to a negative impact on a person’s quality of life, impacting on their physical, psychological, and emotional health.

The good news is that PGP can be successfully managed with pelvic physiotherapy. It is important to have a thorough assessment to determine what is contributing to developing PGP.

What Are Some Reasons Why I Am Experiencing PGP?

Like other pain conditions, the development of PGP is often multifactorial. Pregnancy is the most common time that PGP can develop, due to the structures of the pelvis becoming more sensitised, compared to non-pregnant women.

Biological, psychological, and social factors all contribute to the complex and individual nature of pregnancy-related PGP.

To accommodate a growing baby, postural changes and changes in muscle activity influence the motor control around your pelvis, hips, abdomen, and lower back. These changes influence the forces going through the pelvis and can lead to the development of pain. This mechanism is similar in those who have sustained pelvic trauma or injury.

PGP is far more likely to occur if someone has previously experienced pelvic or lower back pain. Similarly, people who experience high stress, depression, or anxiety are significantly more likely to be impacted by PGP.

Your physiotherapist will perform a thorough assessment to determine the contributing factors to your pain and develop an integrated holistic management plan to aid your recovery.

How Long Does It Take For PGP To Go Away?  

Not everyone is the same when it comes to pelvic girdle pain, so the required physiotherapy treatment and exercise plan may depend on the contributing factors and severity of your symptoms. How long it takes for the pain to reduce will depend on your physical well-being and the issues you’re experiencing. However, most people could expect a significant reduction in their symptoms within 3 months.

Are There Any At-home Treatments For PGP?

With the right amount of physiotherapy from our pelvic physiotherapists, you’ll learn how to manage and rectify pelvic girdle pain. At our clinic in Bondi Junction or in St Leonards, our helpful team will guide you each step of the way, and offer you additional education and treatments.

Your physiotherapist will also prescribe you a rehabilitation plan to complete at home, which will complement your individualised management and/or exercise class rehabilitation.