Public Symphysis Dysfunction
Self-help tips
If you experience pain in or around your pubic bone at the front of the pelvis you may be suffering from Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction.
- If this type of pain is allowed to flare up, it can take a long time to settle back down again.
- Move little and often. You may not feel the effects of what you are doing until later in the day or after you have gone to bed.
- Avoid heavy lifting or pushing (supermarket trolleys can be particularly painful).
- When dressing, sit down to put on clothing such as underwear or trousers. Pull the clothing over your feet and then stand up to pull them up. Don't try to put your legs into trousers, skirts or underwear whilst standing up.
- Take care when separating your legs and making straddling movements such as when getting in and out of the car or bath.
- Avoid swimming breaststroke if you can and take care with other strokes.
- Performing regular pelvic floor exercisers and lower abdominal exercises can help to reduce the strain of the pregnancy on your back.
What is Public Symphysis Dysfunction?
What are the symptoms?
Treating public symphysis problems
How does Spinal Synergy Physiotherapy treat pubic symphysis problems?
Pregnant mothers and women who continue to suffer with these problems are given few options with regards to actual treatment. Pubic symphysis related joint problems are still not widely understood by GPs, obstetricians and midwives.
How is it diagnosed?
It is important that you see a physiotherapist who has a good understanding of the pelvic biomechanics and with comprehensive experience in treating pregnant women.
At Spinal Synergy Physiotherapy we will assess the stability of your pelvis and in particular the joints of the pubic symphysis, and take a detailed look at how the deep core stability muscles such as the pelvic floor are working.
Treatment may encompass:
- gentle techniques (MET) which assist in mobilising the pubic symphysis- correcting any pelvic or sacro-iliac joint imbalances
- specific soft-tissue type treatments to release tight muscles
- a program of very specific pelvic floor and deep core stability exercisers
- additional support may be provided in the form of SIJ stability belt or specific pelvic taping to assist in restoring pelvic stability
- making use of our network of affiliated medical specialists with expert knowledge in assisting in pregnancy specific problems
