Pelvic Girdle Pain: Pain, Instability & Limited Mobility

What Is Pelvic Girdle Pain?

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) describes discomfort in the joints, muscles, or ligaments surrounding the pelvis. It may be felt across the front (pubic symphysis), back (sacroiliac joints), or deep within the hips and groin. Although strongly associated with pregnancy, pelvic girdle pain can also affect athletes, postpartum individuals, or anyone with altered pelvic biomechanics.

It is not a single diagnosis. Rather, it’s a broad term for pain in the pelvis region that negatively impacts everyday movement. Symptoms are often reported with every day activities such as walking, climbing stairs, rolling in bed, or standing on one leg.

Why Do People Get PGP?

During pregnancy, hormonal shifts particularly an increase in relaxin can soften the ligaments stabilising the pelvis. This natural process helps prepare for childbirth but may cause increased joint mobility and with it discomfort.

Other contributors can include:

• Previous pelvic trauma
• Muscle weakness or structural asymmetries 
• Reduced trunk stability
• Prolonged and repetitive postural and lifting stressors 

Can Physiotherapy Help Manage Pelvic Girdle Pain?

A women’s health physio can play a central role in helping sufferers manage their PGP. Treatment aims to reduce pain, improve joint stability, and restore confidence in movement and their body. 

A physiotherapy program may include:

• Education on new, safe movement strategies
• Activity modifications to reduce strain on the pelvis
• Targeted strengthening of the core, pelvic floor, and gluteal muscles
• Manual therapy for any relevant stiff joints or tight soft tissues
• Prescription of supportive devices like pelvic belts or compression garments where indicated

What To Avoid With PGP?

Certain activities may worsen pelvic girdle pain and should be avoided or at the very least modified. These include:

• Prolonged walking or standing
• Hopping, jumping, skipping, running…
• Single-leg tasks like lunges or simply getting dressed while standing
• Sitting with crossed legs or in deep set chairs
• Heavy and awkward lifting situations without pelvic support

Tip: Sleeping with a pillow between the knees, keeping knees together during transitions (e.g. getting out of bed or a car) can help reduce pain. 

Is Pelvic Girdle Pain the Same as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction?

Not exactly. Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) is one type of pelvic girdle pain.SPD is specifically focused on the joint at the front of the pelvis. PGP, by contrast, is more of a blanket term and includes pain experiences in a wider region. Including the sacroiliac joints, symphysis pubis, hips, and surrounding soft tissues. A Women’s Health Physio will help treat both conditions. 

When To Seek Medical Assessment and Treatment?

Early physio intervention can prevent mild symptoms from progressing into chronic pain or significant mobility limitations. If you’re pregnant and experiencing pelvic pain, or noticing daily activities are becoming harder due to discomfort it’s best to seek advice sooner rather than later.

Pelvic girdle pain can be frustrating, but it is treatable. A tailored Women’s Health Physio approach can help reduce pain, improve movement, and support you through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or injury rehabilitation.