Abstract
Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is defined as pain experienced between the posterior iliac crest and the gluteal fold, particularly in the vicinity of the sacroiliac joint. Pelvic girdle pain is common postpartum and may result from pregnancy-related factors. Pelvic girdle pain is a leading cause of disability postpartum, and some individuals develop persistent pain.
A clinical practice guideline (CPG) on PGP in the antenatal population is available. However, there is a need to explicitly focus on PGP in postpartum individuals because of the impacts of childbirth, the unique biological changes that occur postpartum, and the influence of psychosocial factors during this critical time. Historically, compared to the antepartum, there has been a reduced emphasis on postpartum health in clinical practice and research.
Therefore, the purpose of this CPG is to provide evidence-based recommendations for physical therapist management of PGP in the postpartum population. This executive summary provides background information and recommendations to guide physical therapist practice. The full CPG is available online.