Therapies & treatments

If you are experiencing symphysis pubis pain you should let your caregiver know. Some approaches to treating symphysis pain can include:

Seeing a physiotherapist. Your hospital may have a free service you can access for advice. They may offer you a pelvic girdle to stabilise your joints. This is like a large elastic corset worn around the hips. If it is extremely debilitating you may need a walking frame to help you get around.

Day to day activities should include:

	Avoid twisting the body.
	Avoid standing on one leg only. Stand with equal weight on both feet.
	Avoid sitting with crossed legs, or in the 'tailor' position (sitting on the floor with legs crossed). Sit symmetrically on the chair.
	Putting a pillow between your knees when turning in bed.
	Avoid lifting and carrying heavy objects or your toddler (if possible).
	Avoid vacuuming (yeh!).
	Adapting your stride length to your pain. Walk with very small steps if you have a lot of pain.
	Taking one step at a time on stairs. Often it helps to do this sideways.
	When getting in and out of cars, sit down backwards on the seat and turn around to the front of the car with the knees and ankles together. Do the reverse when getting out. Do not kick open the car door with one foot.
	Avoid squatting and if swimming, avoid breaststroke. These encourage the pelvis to move open more and aggravate Symphysis pain. Sleeping with pillows between the legs can help. Yoga may be beneficial.
	Lying on your back for sexual intercourse may be painful. Try alternative positions such as sidelying.

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