Rethinking Pelvic Girdle Pain: Breaking Myths & Elevating Patient Care
Did you know that it can take up to 10 years for research to be fully integrated into clinical practice? That’s a massive gap—one that leaves many patients without the best evidence-based care.
One area where outdated information still lingers? Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) during pregnancy.
For years, many have believed that pelvic girdle pain is caused by instability or the hormone relaxin softening connective tissues—but the latest evidence shows this simply isn’t true.
What Really Drives Pelvic Girdle Pain?
According to the 2017 Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pregnancy-Related PGP, the biggest influencers of pain are:
- Hormonal and stress factors that sensitize the nervous system
- Work dissatisfaction & fear-based beliefs about pain
- Previous pelvic trauma or history of low back pain
- Multiple previous pregnancies
Even more concerning? 30% of women who experience pelvic pain during pregnancy continue to suffer postpartum—largely because they weren’t treated appropriately during pregnancy.
The Best Approach to Treating Pelvic Girdle Pain
The good news? There’s a better way.
- Shift the narrative—Reduce fear-based language and myths that lead to catastrophization.
- Empower patients—Help them understand that their body is adapting, not failing.
- Educate on nervous system sensitivity—Reassure them that hormonal changes play a role but do not equal dysfunction.
- Optimize sleep—Help them find comfortable sleeping positions and maximize deep sleep between 10 PM and 2 AM.
- Encourage movement—Walking and aquatic exercise are fantastic options, and reassuring patients that movement is safe is key.
- See the whole person—Don’t focus solely on pregnancy—look at their beliefs, movement habits, and lifestyle factors.
When we help patients understand their pain, we equip them with the confidence to self-manage and heal.
Want to Dive Deeper Into Pelvic Girdle Pain Treatment?
Inside Pelvic Health Explorers, I’m sharing my latest course on Pelvic Girdle Pain along with clinical insights, group discussions, and mentorship opportunities.
Join today to gain access to cutting-edge resources, expert-led courses, and a supportive community of clinicians.
PS: Want to hear more? Erica Meloe and I did a full episode of Tough to Treat on Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy. Click here to listen!