What is Pubic Symphysis: How Pelvic PTs Evaluate and Treat Pain
Understanding Pubic Symphysis: How Pelvic PTs Evaluate and Treat Pain
Did you know that discomfort in your pubic area could be a sign of pubic symphysis dysfunction? If you've been experiencing pain or instability in this region, you're not alone. Many people encounter this with their pelvic health, but the good news is that there’s help for this out there! In this blog, we'll explore how pelvic physical therapists (PTs) evaluate and treat pubic symphysis issues, empowering you with the knowledge to take the first step toward relief.
What Is the Pubic Symphysis and Why Is It Important?
The pubic symphysis is a cartilaginous joint located at the front of your pelvis, where the left and right pubic bones meet. It plays a crucial role in providing stability and support to your pelvic girdle. When this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed, it can lead to pain and mobility issues, affecting things you do in your daily activities like walking.
Common Symptoms of Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction
Sharp or aching pain in the front of the pelvis by the pubic bone
Discomfort during walking, climbing stairs, or turning in bed
A clicking or pressure sensation in the pubic region
Lower back pain
Why You Might Be Experiencing Pain
Pubic symphysis dysfunction can result from many different factors such as the following:
Hormonal changes
Direct trauma or repetitive strain to the pelvis
Muscle imbalances in the muscles surrounding the pelvis
We understand how frustrating and limiting this pain can be, especially because it can impact everything from your ability to exercise to even simple tasks like getting dressed
Explore the intricacies of pelvic anatomy and the role of pelvic floor muscles in maintaining overall pelvic health.
How Pelvic PTs Evaluate Pubic Symphysis Issues
Comprehensive Assessment: Pelvic physical therapists are specialists trained to assess pelvic floor dysfunctions. During your evaluation, they'll:
Review Your Medical History: Understanding any previous injuries, pregnancies, or conditions that may contribute to your symptoms.
Perform a Physical Examination: Assessing your posture, movement patterns, strength and flexibility.
Tests for Stability: Testing for your pelvic and core system’s ability to stay secure during movements.
Evaluate Pelvic Floor Muscles: Checking for muscle strength, coordination, and any signs of overactivity or weakness.
Treatment Strategies
Simplifying Complex Concepts: Think of your pelvis like the foundation of a building. If something is off, it affects the entire structure. The PT's job is to find where that compromise is happening and giving you exercises to address it.
Based on the evaluation, your pelvic PT will develop a treatment plan, which may include:
1. Manual Therapy
Joint Mobilizations: Gentle movements to help allow stiff joints to move better.
Soft Tissue Massage: Releasing tight muscles that might be creating pelvic asymetries and abnormal pulling in the pelvis. This might involve work external at the gluteals, inner thighs, or low back, or internal work at the pelvic floor muscles.
2. Therapeutic Exercises
Stabilization Exercises: Strengthening core and pelvic muscles to better support the pubic symphysis.
Stretching and Mobility: Improving flexibility in the surrounding tight muscles can help provide better balance to the pelvis to relief pain.
3. Education and Lifestyle Modifications
Postural Advice: Learning how to improve your posture to relieve abnormal pressures that might be causing tightness or inflammation.
Activity Modification: Adjusting daily activities especially in getting out of bed, dressing, or asymmetrical movements can help get you moving better with less pain.
Support tools: Providing recommendations like SI belts can help provide extra support and assistance to the pelvis to relieve pain.
Why These Treatments Work
Research shows that targeted physical therapy can significantly reduce pain and improve function in individuals with pubic symphysis dysfunction. A study published in the Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy found that postpartum patients experiencing pelvic girdle pain, to include pubic symphysis pain, experienced notable improvements in pain after consistent pelvic PT sessions. Starting PT 3 months postpartum also reduced the likelihood of pubic symphysis pain reoccurring in these patients.
Furthermore addressing the root causes by looking at your movement patterns, releasing tight muscles, and strengthening weaker muscles helps to promote balance to the pelvis which is what will provide long lasting relief regarding pubic symphysis pain.
Your Journey to Recovery
Recovery isn't just about the physical treatments; it's also about understanding your body and being an active participant in your healing process. Each step of the evaluation and treatment is designed to build upon the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic approach to your well-being.
We're here to support you every step of the way, answering your questions and tailoring treatments to what your specific body needs.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
Pubic symphysis pain can be effectively managed with the right evaluation and personalized treatment plan from a skilled pelvic PT.
Don't let pelvic pain control your life. Consider scheduling an appointment with a pelvic physical therapist to start your journey toward comfort and mobility.
Written By,
Dr. Jana Richardson, PT, DPT, WCS, PRPC, CIDN
Dual Board Certified Pelvic Floor Therapist and Owner of Chicago Pelvic Health
Dr. Jana Richardson is a highly accomplished pelvic floor therapist with dual board certifications and extensive experience in treating complex pelvic floor dysfunctions. As the owner of Chicago Pelvic Health, Dr. Richardson is dedicated to providing personalized and effective care for her patients. With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and specialized certifications in Women’s Health and Pelvic Rehabilitation, Dr. Richardson is a leading expert in her field. She is also certified in Integrative Dry Needling, further enhancing her ability to offer comprehensive treatment plans. Dr. Richardson’s commitment to patient-centered care and her passion for helping individuals achieve optimal pelvic health make her an invaluable asset to the community.
Contact Information:
References
Simonds, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pelvic Girdle Pain in the Postpartum Population. Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy. 2022;46(1):E1-E38.