Pelvic Girdle Pain Postpartum | Williamstown Osteopaths

You’ve made it through pregnancy and childbirth – congratulations! But if you’re experiencing ongoing pelvic pain, hip discomfort, or difficulty walking in the weeks and months after giving birth, you’re not alone. Pelvic girdle pain postpartum affects many new mothers, and the good news is that you don’t have to just “push through it.”

At Ferguson Street Osteopathy, your trusted osteopathy clinic in Williamstown, we regularly support women through their postpartum recovery journey. Our Principal Osteopath, Julie, is completing her Master’s thesis in perinatal back pain, so you can feel reassured that our care is guided by both clinical experience and the latest research.

What Is Pelvic Girdle Pain Postpartum?

Pelvic girdle pain postpartum refers to discomfort in the joints that make up your pelvis – including the sacroiliac joints at the back and the pubic symphysis at the front – that continues or develops after childbirth. While many women expect pelvic discomfort during pregnancy, they’re often surprised when it doesn’t magically disappear once baby arrives.

The reality is that your body has been through enormous changes, and recovery takes time. Understanding why pelvic girdle pain postpartum occurs is the first step toward addressing it effectively.

Why Does Pelvic Girdle Pain Postpartum Happen?

Several factors contribute to pelvic girdle pain postpartum:

Lingering Hormonal Effects

During pregnancy, your body produces relaxin and other hormones that loosen ligaments to allow your pelvis to expand for birth. These hormones can remain in your system for several months postpartum, especially if you’re breastfeeding. This ongoing ligament laxity can affect pelvic stability and contribute to pelvic girdle pain postpartum.

Birth-Related Changes

The physical process of childbirth – whether vaginal delivery or caesarean – places significant strain on the pelvic structures. The pelvis may shift or become misaligned during birth, and these changes can persist afterward, causing ongoing discomfort.

Muscle Weakness and Imbalance

Pregnancy stretches and weakens your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. After birth, these muscles need time and targeted work to regain their strength and coordination. Weak or uncoordinated muscles around the pelvis can’t properly support the joints, contributing to pelvic girdle pain postpartum.

Postural Strain

Caring for a newborn involves hours of feeding, carrying, lifting, and bending – often in awkward positions. These repetitive movements and sustained postures can aggravate pelvic girdle pain postpartum, especially when your body is still recovering.

Previous Pregnancy Pelvic Pain

If you experienced pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy, you’re more likely to have pelvic girdle pain postpartum. However, even if you sailed through pregnancy pain-free, postpartum pelvic issues can still develop.

Recognising Pelvic Girdle Pain Postpartum Symptoms

Pelvic girdle pain postpartum can present differently from person to person, but common symptoms include:

Lower back and hip pain: Aching or sharp pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hip area
Pubic symphysis pain: Discomfort at the front of your pelvis, especially when walking or separating your legs
Difficulty with daily activities: Challenges with walking, climbing stairs, rolling in bed, or getting up from sitting
Clicking or grinding sensations: Unusual sounds or feelings in the pelvic joints
Pain with single-leg activities: Discomfort when standing on one leg to dress, get into the car, or climb stairs
Worsening pain with activity: Discomfort that increases throughout the day or after physical activity

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking help from a Williamstown osteopath can make a significant difference in your recovery.

How Osteopathy Helps Pelvic Girdle Pain Postpartum

At our osteopathy clinic in Williamstown, we take a comprehensive approach to treating pelvic girdle pain postpartum. Rather than just managing symptoms, we address the underlying causes to support your body’s natural recovery process.

Manual Therapy Techniques

We use gentle, hands-on osteopathy treatment to:

Ease tension in muscles around the pelvis, hips, and lower back
Improve pelvic alignment and joint mobility
Release tight fascia and connective tissue
Restore balance to your postural muscles

All techniques are adapted for the postpartum period, ensuring they’re safe and comfortable for new mothers.

Tailored Exercise Prescription

Strengthening and stabilising the muscles that support your pelvis is crucial for resolving pelvic girdle pain postpartum. Your Williamstown osteopath will prescribe exercises specifically suited to your recovery stage, including:

Gentle pelvic floor activation
Core strengthening progressions
Hip stabilisation exercises
Functional movement patterns for daily parenting tasks

Postural and Movement Guidance

We’ll provide practical advice on how to move, lift, feed, and carry your baby in ways that protect your pelvis and support healing. Small changes in your daily activities can significantly reduce pelvic girdle pain postpartum.

Holistic Support

We understand that postpartum recovery isn’t just physical. At Ferguson Street Osteopathy, we work closely with other healthcare providers – including GPs, midwives, physiotherapists, and maternal child health nurses – to ensure you receive well-rounded support during this demanding time.

What to Expect at Your Williamstown Osteopathy Appointment

During your consultation at our osteopathy clinic in Williamstown, your osteopath will:

Take a detailed history of your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience
Assess your posture, movement patterns, and pelvic alignment
Perform gentle manual treatment tailored to your needs
Provide guidance for at-home management of pelvic girdle pain postpartum
Create a personalised recovery plan

Many women find that even small changes make a big difference in their comfort and ability to care for their baby.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pelvic Girdle Pain Postpartum

How long does pelvic girdle pain postpartum last?

With appropriate care from a Williamstown osteopath, most women see significant improvement within 6-12 weeks. However, every recovery is different. The earlier you seek treatment, the better your outcomes typically are.

Is it too late to get help if my baby is older?

Absolutely not! Whether you’re six weeks or six months postpartum (or even longer), osteopathy treatment can still help address pelvic girdle pain postpartum. It’s never too late to prioritise your recovery.

Can I exercise with pelvic girdle pain postpartum?

Yes, with the right modifications and guidance. Your Williamstown osteo can advise on appropriate exercises that support healing rather than aggravating your symptoms.

Do I need a referral to see an osteopath?

No referral is needed. You can book directly with us at Ferguson Street Osteopathy, your local Williamstown osteopathy clinic.

Will osteopathy help if I’m breastfeeding?

Yes! Osteopathy treatment is completely safe while breastfeeding. We can also address any neck, shoulder, or back pain related to feeding positions.

Is this normal, or should I be worried?

While pelvic girdle pain postpartum is common, it’s not something you should have to “just put up with.” If you’re experiencing pain, difficulty with daily activities, or concerns about your recovery, seeking professional support is always the right choice.

Take the First Step Toward Postpartum Recovery

You’ve just accomplished something incredible by bringing your baby into the world. Now it’s time to give your body the support it needs to recover properly. Don’t let pelvic girdle pain postpartum stop you from enjoying this precious time with your little one.

Book an appointment with Ferguson Street Osteopathy today. As your experienced Williamstown osteopaths, we’re here to support your postpartum recovery with safe, gentle, and effective care tailored specifically to new mothers.

Pelvic Girdle Pain Postpartum: Why It Happens & How to Find Relief