Is it worth seeing an osteopath?

[weeblueberry]

Since I was about ten weeks pregnant I've had seriously awful pain in the left side of my hip. There are times when I stand up or move my leg a certain way that I actually get tears in my eyes from the pain. I've just sort of put up with it until now because I assumed if it was SPD it would be across my whole pelvis - is this right?

DP regularly goes to an osteopath and suggested I try it (there are pregnancy specialists there) but I'm not keen to shell out £50 just for them to say it's softening ligaments that have caused it and there's nothing much they can do?

If I were certain it would go when the wee one's here I'd just live with it but I'm a bit worried it's here to stay because it's in one very specific joint?

Our osteopath does a free assessment before treatment. It might be worth enquiring if they would do the same.

Have you asked your midwife for a physio referral? Before shelling out to go private, I mean...

I'll ask about an assessment - thanks MrsPepper

I mentioned it to the midwife but I know there's a horrendous wait to see a physio in my region. I also don't think I could schedule the appointments round work which is a big consideration in going private.

I had this, it was a sciatic nerve issue. I also had SPD. The osteopath helped a lot. It would be worth seeing one with experience in pregnancy related issues.

Majestic it does feel like a nerve issue now you've said that. Occasionally the pain will go down my thigh and is searing rather than aching.

Badger the midwife. Really make a fuss. I had SPD in my left hip and ended up on crutches for the last 3 months of pregnancy. I coped best I could, didn't make a fuss, my physio referral came through the week DD was born, wish I had said more earlier.

I am also now seeing a chiropractor and she is doing wonders post baby!

I'd second a chiropractor. Helped keep my pelvis in alignment by manipulating my back when I has spd.

I was in so much pain in my hips and knees at 16 weeks that I had to go to a+e and was given crutches. I saw an Nhs physio who was useless. I saw an osteopath twice and haven't had any pain there since. GO!

Osteopath was a complete waste of money when I had pelvic girdle pain. Felt completely conned, and still in masses of pain. But I was desperate, which is clearly what they profit on.
Now the private women's health physio on the other hand, was a complete godsend, and worth every penny. Really sorted it out, and the exercises she gave me to do at home have really worked to strengthen my core, which I am hoping will make things easier in the next pregnancy. Fingers crossed!

Osteopath has been really helpful for me with PGP/SPD. Although the second one I saw was much better than the first so you might have to shop around. The nhs physio was useless. It's not just caused by ligaments softening - look at the 'Pelvic Partnership' website for information. I think a 'good' physio/osteopath/chiropractor who has experience treating SPD/PGP is what you need. I was reluctant to spend £50 each time though but am so glad I did. I am still in pain and on crutches if I need to walk more than about 50m but it's not nearly as bad and I can at least sleep most of the time.... 35 1/2 weeks now - kind of hoping this baby is early now, like DCs1 and 2...

Thanks all! I'll give the midwife a quick call tomorrow (at the very least then it will be on my record) and call up the osteopath about a consultation. Can't keep this up much longer- my DD is 19 months and is looking to get carried all the time which I just can't do.