Pelvis Girdle Pain (PGP)

What is Pelvic Girdle Pain?

Hey there! Let’s talk about pelvic girdle pain (PGP). If you’re scratching your head wondering what on earth that is, you’re not alone. Imagine your pelvis as the sturdy, trusty base of your body, supporting everything above it. Now, picture it throwing a bit of a tantrum. That’s pelvic girdle pain! It’s that pesky discomfort or pain you feel around your pelvis, lower back, hips, or even your thighs. It’s especially common during pregnancy because, well, your body is busy creating a tiny human, and sometimes it decides to get a bit grumpy.

Why does PGP happen?

Good news! There are plenty of ways to show your pelvis some love and help it feel better.

1. Let’s talk about movement. Gentle, regular exercise can be a game-changer. Think low-impact activities like swimming, walking, or prenatal yoga. These keep your muscles strong without putting too much strain on your pelvis.
2. Speaking of muscles, let’s not forget about our unsung heroes – the pelvic floor muscles. A women’s health physio can guide you through exercises to strengthen these muscles, which can provide better support for your pelvis.
3. Don’t underestimate the power of good posture either. Imagine balancing a book on your head – shoulders back, spine straight. It helps distribute your weight more evenly and takes some pressure off your pelvis.
4. And hey, sometimes we all need a bit of extra support. Maternity belts or pelvic support belts can work wonders by giving your pelvis a bit of a hug and reducing pain.

How Long Does It Take to Feel Better?

Ah, the million-dollar question! The truth is, it varies. For some, pelvic girdle pain might start to ease up a few weeks after implementing these strategies. For others, it might take a bit longer. The key is consistency and patience. If you’re pregnant, you might find that your symptoms improve after giving birth.
However, if PGP sticks around like an unwanted guest at a party, don’t fret. Keep working with your physio, and they can adjust your treatment plan to suit your needs. Remember, everyone’s journey is different, and healing isn’t a race. It’s all about finding what works best for you and giving your body the time it needs to recover.
So, there you have it – pelvic girdle pain in a nutshell! It’s a bit of a nuisance, but with the right care and a positive attitude, you can manage it and get back to doing the things you love. Stay active, stay positive, and keep that pelvis happy!