Pregnancy Pain
Pregnancy places significant mechanical and hormonal demands on your body. As your baby grows, your posture, centre of gravity and load distribution change, and this can contribute to pain and dysfunction.
Back pain
Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints during pregnancy. It is often related to:
– Postural changes
– Reduced core support
– Joint and ligament laxity
We assess your movement patterns, spinal mobility and deep abdominal support to develop an individualised plan that may include:
– Targeted strengthening
– Manual therapy
– Postural retraining
– Support garments
– Education around lifting, sleep and daily activities
Our goal is to reduce pain while maintaining strength and confidence in your body.
Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)
Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (previously called SPD) can affect the sacroiliac joints and/or pubic symphysis. It may feel like:
– Sharp pain in the front of the pelvis
– Pain when rolling in bed
– Discomfort walking, climbing stairs or standing on one leg
– Clicking or instability sensations
At Physiozest, we provide:
– Thorough postural and movement assessment
– Specific stability exercises
– Activity modification guidance
– Hands-on treatment where appropriate
– Fitting and advice regarding pelvic support belts
Round ligament pain
Round ligament pain is typically felt as a sharp or pulling sensation in the lower abdomen or groin, often triggered by:
– Sudden movements
– Rolling in bed
– Coughing or sneezing
– Quick changes in direction
Pain and discomfort can be managed with:
– Gentle mobility and stretching strategies
– Load management advice
– Abdominal and pelvic support techniques
– Education on movement transitions
We help you move with more comfort and less fear of triggering pain.
Rib Pain
Rib pain during pregnancy is common, particularly in the second and third trimesters as your rib cage expands and your baby grows upward into the diaphragm.
It may feel like:
– Sharp or aching pain under the bra line
– Pain with deep breathing, coughing, sneezing or turning
– Discomfort sitting or lying for prolonged periods
Contributing factors can include:
– Rib cage expansion and hormonal ligament laxity
– Thoracic spine stiffness
– Postural changes
– Prolonged sitting or desk work
– Baby’s position
At Physiozest, we assess:
– Thoracic spine mobility
– Rib movement and breathing mechanics
– Postural load patterns
– Core and diaphragm coordination
Treatment may include:
– Gentle manual therapy
– Thoracic mobility exercises
– Breathing retraining
– Postural strategies
– Taping or support where appropriate
Rib pain can significantly impact sleep and daily comfort, but with targeted treatment, symptoms often improve quickly.
