Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) can effect both men and women. Pelvic Girdle Pain is characterized as a sharp, burning or aching pain that is surrounding the pelvis and can radiate into the posterior hip or thigh. This pain can come from any structures in the pelvis that are under stress such as joints, muscles and ligaments. In pregnancy most of the blame for this falls on the hormone Relaxin. Relaxin is most known for aiding in joint relaxation during pregnancy however while every woman will have an increase in Relaxin not every woman with experience PGP. Changes in the center of gravity can lead to muscle imbalances around the pelvis resulting in pain around the pubic symphysis, sacro-iliac joint and ligaments and muscles of the pelvis. The term that sacro-iliac joints can be “unstable” is language that can cause fear and anxiety; the sacro-iliac joint is very stable and has multiple ligaments and muscles supporting it. It is common to find the effected side to have tight hip flexors, tight deep hip rotator muscles and weak gluteals which allows for that side of the pelvis to be rotated forward. If you think about a pregnant woman’s abdomen growing you can visualize how this will pull the pelvis forward with subsequent changes to that area. How does this effect non pregnant women and men? This can happen due to postures that have an increased lumbar curve, lengthened abdominals and tight hip flexors. There are other causes that can create this muscle imbalance. The lumbar spine can be the culprit due to effects of the associated spinal nerve root. When a spinal nerve root is irritated it will cause the muscles that it supplies to become tight and weak. This will commonly present as short hip flexors and short weakened glute muscles which results in that same pelvic posturing as a pregnant woman. Altered positioning of the pelvis can also occur in some sports where one side is very dominant in the use of hip flexors and quads resulting in the same pull on the pelvis. Depending on different variables this may present with anterior hip discomfort or it may present as the pelvic pain mentioned above.
Fortunately this can be addressed through balancing the pelvis. There are some mobilizations and self management strategies and positions that help to improve the positions and strength of the muscles surrounding the pelvis. Being aware of how you stand, sit and which muscles you use in exercise or turning over in bed is helpful. Although this is something that many men and women experience it is also something that usually can be easily improved on or resolved and is not a problem that has to be dealt with long term. I really enjoy working with this clientele due to the results. It does take awareness and time on the part of the client but unless there are other factors at play improvements should be noticed over a couple of treatments. Let me know if you need help in this area!
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