Choosing Exercises that Work for Pelvic Pain after Pregnancy
About half of all pregnant women will have low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. For most women, the pain may go away a couple months after the baby is born. For some women, it doesn't go away at all. They may be unable to complete daily tasks. They may not be able to go back to work. Serious disability can occur.
Researchers are looking for a way to treat this problem with exercise. Physical therapists from the University of Oslo in Norway report on the success of one exercise program for postpartum pelvic pain. They used a series of exercises called stabilizing exercises. Women did the exercises for 20 weeks. Pain levels, function, and quality of life were measured before and after the exercise program.
Eight-one women with pelvic pain were put in one of two groups. Both groups had an exercise program. Group one did the specific stabilizing exercises (SSEG). Group two (the control group) had physical therapy but not the special exercises. Each woman in group two had treatment just for her specific problem. Treatments may have included heat, electrotherapy, posture and body mechanics, or joint mobilization.
The authors report a difference in the results between the two groups. Group one (SSEG) had much less pain, better function, and a higher quality of life compared to the control group. Disability in the SSEG group went down by 50 percent. These good results lasted even after 12 months. No changes occurred in the control group.
The authors conclude that the specific exercises given to postpartum women with pelvic pain improved motor control and stability in the pelvic area. These changes helped transfer some of the load away from the pelvis. The program was low in cost. Very little equipment was needed, and all exercises could be done at home.
References: Britt Stuge, MSc, PT, et al. The Efficacy of a Treatment Program Focusing on Specific Stabilizing Exercises for Pelvic Girdle Pain after Pregnancy. In Spine. February 15, 2004. Vol. 29. No. 4. Pp. 351-359.
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