How Physiotherapy During Pregnancy Can Relieve Back Pain, Sciatica & Pelvic Girdle Pain

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, bringing not just emotional changes but significant physical ones too. It is common for women to experience a range of musculoskeletal and pelvic floor symptoms such as back pain, sciatica, pelvic girdle pain and urinary incontinence. These issues can affect mobility, rest, and overall wellbeing but with professional guidance, they can be managed effectively. At Praxis Rehab Physiotherapy, we offer specialised pregnancy physiotherapy to support maternal health through every trimester. Our aim is to reduce discomfort, improve movement, and prepare women for birth and recovery.

Understanding Pregnancy-Related Pain

As your baby grows, your posture shifts, your abdominal muscles stretch, and hormones soften your ligaments. These natural changes often contribute to:

• Back Pain – Often caused by postural changes and muscle imbalances

• Sciatica – Nerve irritation that causes pain radiating down one or both legs

• Pelvic Girdle Pain – A deep ache or sharp discomfort in the pelvic joints, affecting walking and movement

These symptoms can be frustrating, but they don’t have to be endured in silence. Physiotherapy can offer relief and equip you with safe, practical strategies.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy during pregnancy provides tailored, non-invasive treatments. Our approach combines hands-on care, exercise, and education to improve function and ease discomfort.

1. Pain Relief Techniques

We use gentle manual therapy, posture correction, and supportive taping to relieve discomfort and reduce pressure on affected areas.

2. Sciatica Management

Treatment includes nerve glides, mobility exercises, and positional adjustments to help ease sciatic nerve irritation.

3. Support for Pelvic Girdle Pain

We combine pelvic support techniques, strengthening exercises, and guidance on posture and daily movement to reduce pain and enhance joint stability.

4. Exercise Guidance - What Do The Guidelines Say?

Hayman et al. (2023) reviewed physical activity guidelines across 30 countries and the global consensus recommends:

• 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly

• Muscle strengthening two times or more per week 

• Regular pelvic floor exercises

We prescribe safe, pregnancy-specific exercises to help maintain strength, improve circulation, and prepare the body for labour .

5. Pelvic floor muscle training

We screen for pelvic floor disorders such as prolapse or urinary incontinence and provide early treatment with pelvic floor exercise program.

6. Education and Empowerment

Knowing how to lift, rest, and move safely can significantly reduce pain and prevent further injury. We ensure you’re equipped with the right knowledge.

Why Choose Praxis Rehab Physiotherapy?

Our physiotherapist, Sangeeta, is trained in prenatal care and understands the unique challenges of pregnancy. Whether you’re early in your pregnancy or nearing your due date, she will tailor your treatment with empathy and clinical expertise. We focus on your comfort, using up-to-date research and evidence-based methods to ensure safe and effective care.

Looking for a pregnancy physiotherapist in Belair ? 

Praxis Rehab Physiotherapy provides expert physiotherapy care designed to support you throughout every stage of your pregnancy.

FAQs

Is physiotherapy safe during pregnancy?

 Yes. Physiotherapy is completely safe during pregnancy. All treatments are adapted to suit your stage of pregnancy and delivered with care and safety in mind.

When should I see a physiotherapist during pregnancy?

 You can see a physiotherapist at any stage of your pregnancy even in the first trimester. If you are experiencing pain, starting early gives you the opportunity to manage symptoms proactively and reduce the risk of discomfort as your pregnancy progresses.

Can physiotherapy help me prepare for labour?

 Definitely. We focus on pelvic floor awareness, pelvic floor exercises to enhance the strength and flexibility of the pelvic floor muscles, thereby reducing the risk of perineal injury and supporting both smoother labour and postnatal recovery.

How often should I have sessions? 

This depends on your individual needs. If it is a pain scenario, then once weekly until pain has eased off. If it is exercise-focused then a session every 2–4 weeks is usually effective. We’ll guide you based on your progress.

Do you have multiple clinic locations?

 No, currently Praxis Rehab Physiotherapy offers appointments only in Belair clinic.

References: 

Hayman, M., Thornton, L., O’Hara, B., et al. (2023). Public health guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy from around the world: A scoping review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(14), 940–949. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2022-106216