Pubis Symphysis Dysfunction

Pubic symphysis dysfunction is a term given to a group of symptoms that cause pain at the pubic bone. This pain often arises during pregnancy and is sometimes exacerbated with labour and delivery. Women often feel pain in their pubic bone and the surrounding groin muscles especially with activities such as stairs, walking, getting in and out of bed or getting in and out of a car.

Because part of my work is in a hospital setting, I get to see postpartum patients within hours or days of their delivery. Those that sustain a pubis symphysis rupture often have great difficulty getting out of bed and walking...two important and basic skills needed when caring for a newborn.

This is why I stress the importance of treating pubis symphysis dysfunction during pregnancy. As your uterus grows, your pelvis shifts and the groin muscles get pulled in every direction. Being able to identify the cause of your pubic pain and aligning the pelvis through muscle stretches and strengthening exercises, we can better prepare the pelvic floor and pubic bone to withstand the pressure sustained from labour and delivery.

Below are five things to do you if you have pubis symphysis pain:

1- Invest in an SI Joint Belt, which provides support around hips and pelvis and restricts the pubic bone from too much movement.

2- Avoid stairs, especially if you have pain with walking. Generally, try to avoid any repetitive movement that causes your legs to separate, such as running, lowering in a bathtub, or stepping over height.

3- Use a pillow in between your knees when turning in bed to prevent the legs from separating when switching positions.

4- Learn which pelvic floor exercises are the most appropriate for you. Other than kegels and reverse kegels, you may be given stretches and strengthening exercises for your hip, groin and back muscles

5- Rest your body. Whether you are pregnant or recovering from a delivery, listen to your pain signals and give your body adequate rest to heal.

And the most important suggestion of all, see your pelvic for a physiotherapist! :)