What are the treatment options for pelvic girdle pain?

Pelvic girdle pain affects the joints around the pelvis and may make walking, turning in bed, climbing stairs or standing on one leg difficult. A physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify activities that aggravate symptoms and teach ways to share the load between both sides of the pelvis.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy may include gentle strengthening, flexibility work, posture advice and practical strategies for daily tasks. A support belt can help some people when walking or doing essential activities, but it should be fitted and used with professional guidance. Pain relief should be chosen with a clinician, particularly during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Keep moving within comfortable limits rather than staying in bed for long periods. Take shorter steps, sit down to get dressed, keep your knees together when getting in and out of a car or bed, and avoid lifting on one hip. Rest between tasks and ask for help with activities that trigger sharp pain.

Postnatal Physiotherapy can support recovery after birth, especially when pain continues, walking remains difficult or abdominal and pelvic-floor muscles feel weak. Your clinician can adapt exercises as symptoms settle and review whether a walking aid or other support is useful.

Arrange an assessment if pain is limiting sleep, mobility, work or personal care, or if it is worsening despite reducing strain. Seek urgent maternity or medical advice for severe sudden pain, inability to walk, heavy bleeding, fever, fluid loss, regular contractions or reduced fetal movement during pregnancy. After birth, urgent review is needed for wound concerns, new leg weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Ask which movements are safe for you, whether a pelvic support is appropriate, what pain relief fits your pregnancy or feeding plans, and when you should begin or progress physiotherapy. Ask how symptoms will be monitored and what changes should prompt an earlier review.