What is pubic symphysis pain?
The pubic symphysis joint is located in the front of your pelvis and keeps the two bones of your pelvis together for stability. This type of pain is commonly experienced by up to 30% of women during pregnancy, where the joint may move more than normal, causing pain.
Signs and symptoms?
- Are you pregnant and feeling an increasing discomfort in the pubic bones
- Does your pain increase with movements like walking, climbing stairs, turning over in bed, or getting in or out of the car or a chair?
- Have you had a sports injury or trauma to your pelvis?
Contributing factors to pubic symphysis pain?
- An increase in relaxin hormones during pregnancy in preparation for birth. The good news is the pain will likely disappear a few weeks after you have your baby if it was caused by pregnancy
- Foot or hip mechanics - need arch supports
- Joint laxity and hypermobility
- Work overload - especially sitting for long hours
- On feet for long hours
- It may be a sport, home or work-related with repetitive kicking or loading on one side
How can we help?
Physiotherapy for Pubic Symphysis pain?
Physiotherapy treatment to manage pubic symphysis pain may include:
- Advice on resting/using an ice pack on your pubic area
- Sleeping with a pillow between your legs
- An exercise plan designed specifically to strengthen the lateral sling muscles which support the pubic symphysis
- Foot arches if needed
- Suggesting compression garments to support your hips and pelvis and the load on the pubic symphysis
- stretches where there are tightness issues across the pubic symphysis
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