Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction During Pregnancy- A multimodality physiotherapeutic approach

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) is a common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, characterized by stiffness or excessive movement of the symphysis pubis associated with pain centered on the joint at the front of the pelvis, possibly because of a misalignment of the pelvis resulting in pain and functional limitation. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of a multimodality physiotherapeutic approach in pregnancy induced SPD.

Twenty seven pregnant women with clinical diagnosis of SPD were recruited after obtaining an informed consent and clearance from the institutional ethical committee. Physiotherapy intervention included cryotherapy, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, elevator exercises for pelvic floor strengthening, postural correction and stabilization of symphysis pubis by trochanteric belt along with modification of activities of daily living (ADL) for 5 days. Outcome measures were documented using visual analog scale (VAS) on 1^st day pre intervention, 3^rd and 5^th day post intervention and Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ) on 1^st day pre intervention and 5^th day post intervention respectively.

The data was analyzed using Wilcoxon signed ranked test and z test. There was significant decrease in VAS scores on day 1, day 3 and day 5 (p=.000). MODQ scores significantly decreased on 5^th day post intervention (p=0.000).

A multimodality physiotherapeutic approach has shown to decrease pain and improve functional outcome in pregnancy induced SPD.