Physio for Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)

Gentle, Effective Support for Pelvic Girdle Pain During and After Pregnancy

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) affects 20-50% of pregnant women. It can be very painful and debilitating, and get in the way of simple movements that we usually take for granted, such as walking, getting in and out of a car and rolling over in bed.

At Vitalis Physio, we offer expert, individualised care to help manage symptoms, optimise strength and ease groin pain during pregnancy.  We can also help after pregnancy, if you have suffered with PGP while pregnant and would like help with a structured return to sport or running. 

Whether you are pregnant or post-partum, our tailored pelvic girdle pain physio treatments can help you regain comfort and ease of movement.

What is Pelvic Girdle Pain?

Pregnancy-related Pelvic Girdle Pain refers to discomfort in the joints and ligaments of the pelvis, including the sacroiliac joints and the pubic symphysis at the front of the pelvis. Most frequently, it arises in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, but can occur in the first trimester, especially if you have suffered with it in previous pregnancies.  While it is often associated with pregnancy, it can occur postpartum or due to other biomechanical factors.

PGP Symptoms may include:

  • Pain in the hips, lower back, buttocks or groin

  • Pain when walking, climbing stairs or rolling over  in bed

  • Pain that worsens throughout the day

Specialist Pelvic Physiotherapy

Physio for Pelvic Pain

Pregnancy brings incredible changes to the body, but it can leave you vulnerable to discomfort. Our treatment for PGP combines gentle hands-on therapy with targeted, lightweight strengthening exercises to support your body safely throughout pregnancy.

We use:

  • Gentle, hands-on therapy to ease pain

  • Pelvic, hip and core stability exercises

  • Advice on posture, movement and activity modification

Our goal is to keep you active, minimise discomfort and enable you to enjoy your pregnancy with confidence.

Physio for PGP After Birth

Postnatal Physiotherapy for Pelvic Girdle Pain

If you have had your baby and are still struggling with PGP, know that you're not alone. At Vitalis, we can help.

Our treatment focuses on gently restoring normal pelvic and hip mechanics with hands-on techniques, restoring strength with gentle exercises and correcting any imbalances. This will allow you to enjoy your little one with confidence in your own body.

We can also support you and help optimise your post-natal fitness, enabling you to return to running or sport when you’re ready. We offer:

  • Soft tissue release to reduce pain

  • Gentle joint mobilisations to improve movement if required

  • Pelvic, hip and core stability exercises

  • Progressive strength and conditioning exercises

  • Advice on return to running and sport

Holistic Physio for Pelvic Girdle Pain

Individualised and evidence-driven

Your treatment plan will be built around your presentation, symptoms and activity levels. Giving you relief from pain and restoring movement and confidence.

A whole-body approach

We treat more than just the symptoms. We take a holistic view to restore long-term function and comfort.

Support for every Stage

Whether you're early in pregnancy, a new mum or have struggled with pelvic girdle pain for years, we guide you through each step with the right support at the right time.

Safe return to activity

We help you regain the confidence to return to physical activity, work, and family life, whether that means walking pain-free, lifting your baby, or going for a run again.

Ready to Feel Strong, Supported, and Pain-Free?

If you're experiencing pelvic pain during or after pregnancy, don't wait to seek help. Our expert physiotherapy at Vitalis Physio can guide you toward lasting relief with care that’s tailored to your body and lifestyle. Vitalis Physio is conveniently located at Watlington Wellness Centre, right in the heart of Watlington. Easily commutable from across South Oxfordshire and the Chilterns, with dedicated parking.

Email: info@vitalisphysio.com

Address: 1 Cuxham Road, Watlington, OX49 5JW

Phone: 07432 690233

FAQs - Pelvic Girdle Pain Physio

  • PGP in pregnancy is typically caused by hormonal changes that soften the ligaments, combined with physical changes in posture and a less advantageous weight-to-muscle ratio.. As your pelvic bones and joints become more mobile, pain, especially in the front of your pelvis, can occur.

  • Yes, pregnant women frequently experience pelvic pain in the second and third trimesters. It can vary in severity, but with the right care, symptoms can be managed.

  • In some cases, a pelvic support belt or taping may be helpful to provide external stability to the pelvis and ease discomfort.. We can assess whether this would benefit you.

  • Women with PGP often report difficulty walking, sleeping or performing daily tasks, taking some of the joy out of their experience of pregnancy. Early treatment can help relieve symptoms and improve your comfort and function.

  • Your pelvic floor muscles play a vital role in stabilising the pelvis and supporting your spine. Strengthening them is often a key part of our treatment plan to improve stability and reduce pain.

  • Most PGP symptoms resolve within days of giving birth, but some women continue to experience symptoms. Our pelvic girdle pain treatments are designed to help you recover fully and return to your normal activity levels safely.

  • Yes - with guidance. Physical activity is important, but it must be adapted to your condition. We provide modified exercises and movements that keep you active without aggravating pain.

  • Unfortunately, PGP can reoccur in subsequent pregnancies, often presenting earlier in each subsequent pregnancy.  However, if you prepare for pregnancy and are strong in your hip, pelvis and abdominal muscles, there is a good chance you can stave off symptoms for longer.  Come and see us for early intervention.

  • What Our Patients Say

    ‘I cannot thank Emma-Jane enough for her professional care. I have been suffering from a persistent sciatic nerve injury and had almost lost hope until I discovered Emma-Jane’s unique approach to treatment. By combining hands on treatment, exercise, dry needling and advice, she alleviated pain and restored my mobility. The professionalism, compassion and attention to detail she demonstrated throughout my treatment were phenomenal. I am extremely happy with the results and highly recommend her services to anyone in need of expert physiotherapy care.’

    Charlie, Whitchurch

  • What our Colleagues Say

    'As a Consultant Sports Physician working closely with athletes of all levels, I have high standards when referring patients for physiotherapy.  Emma-Jane's clinical expertise in musculoskeletal assessment and rehab is exceptional.  What truly sets her apart is her ability to blend evidence-based practice with a supportive compassionate approach and excellent communication.’

    Dr Rhodri Martin, Consultant in Sport and Exercise Medicine
    Team Doctor, Men’s National Team Football Association of Wales
    Lead Doctor, Welsh Institute of Sport 

  • What Our Patients Say

    I can’t recommend Emma-Jane Harding at Vitalis Physio highly enough. I have mild hip dysplasia in my right hip which became excruciatingly painful over the summer. Within just four weeks of seeing Emma, I was able to walk normally again, and I now continue to see her fortnightly as we work towards getting everything fully back to normal.

    Emma takes her profession very seriously and has an exceptional understanding of the body. Her attention to detail, focus, and the way she explains things have been phenomenal. What really makes the difference is not just seeing her, but also following the rehab she sets - it’s every bit as important as the sessions themselves.

    If you’re experiencing pain, I would wholeheartedly recommend going to see Emma-Jane. She’s been brilliant and has made a huge difference for me.

    James C

  • What Our Patients Say

    It was Emma-Jane’s expertise in hip and other conditions, together with her extensive experience that were the deciding factors in booking an appointment with her at Watlington Wellness Centre, after a painful hip had not eased after a few sessions with an osteopath (I now know I should have seen a physio!).

    I knew I was in safe, professional and thorough hands from the first appointment – Emma-Jane confirmed I had developed gluteal tendinopathy as a result of my outside hip muscles working overtime to compensate for weakness in my hip flexors, inner thigh muscles and hamstrings. She also wrote a letter for my GP requesting an X-ray. A few weeks on and my bespoke exercise plan, which she reviews and updates each session, plus soft tissue release and dry needling around my hip muscles has all made a difference and I am delighted that I am improving.

    I am so glad I found Emma-Jane and I highly recommend her.

    Sarah C

  • What Our Patients Say

    Highly recommend Emma-Jane, I have seen various practitioners for my neck and shoulder and Emma-Jane is the only one who has made a lasting difference. She uses a combination of hands on physical therapy, medical acupuncture and exercises to produce the desired result. She is also a very kind and understanding practitioner, who takes the time to listen to problems thoroughly without rushing and explains what she is doing at every step.

    Sarah D