Is physio worth it for spd?

[sprite25]

I'm nearly 29 weeks pregnant and have spd which although isn't crippling as it can be for some, is still painful and abit draining. Midwife said to go to GP who can refer me for physio but in our area can take up to 6 weeks to get an assessment appointment, as I'm already in third trimester is it really worth it just for a couple of weeks? I've already read as much information and tips online about how to cope with Spd so will the physio really make that much of a difference?

I have severe pgp where I am in a wheelchair and can't walk without crutches. The NHS physios were rubbish tbh, just gave me exercises which I couldn't do. They signed me off saying there is nothing more they can do for me and it'll go when baby comes. I've paid privately for. Physio and reflexology. It helps for an hour then baby moves and it's back to square one. My hip and pelvis on my right side has dropped inches below the left and everytime I walk my whole pelvis clicks. Hopefully they'll induce me early

I had a physio appointment for SPD and they said I was already doing everything I could so it was pointless going, the only thing I really found useful was that she gave me her direct number in case I needed crutches and could be seen straight away

So sorry its so bad for you! I feel silly moaning about mine as its no where near as bad as yours, I hope you get some relief soon

Don't be daft, you have a right to moan its bloody agony!! I hope the physio can help you. X

I had mild SPD coupled with a separate joint issue which meant my hip joints were loose. I found physio absolutely fantastic and now at 36 weeks I am in much much less pain than I was even at 14 weeks (everything kicked in early due to my pre existing condition). It took around 6 - 8 weeks for me to really feel the benefit of the exercises they gave me but even with a short amount of time left you may find it can really help you.

Yes if you see a special women’s health physio and you’ll almost certainly have to go privately.

If you can afford it, I would definitely look into seeing an osteopath. I saw one every three weeks from around 24 weeks and it has really helped - I think it has stopped things from getting worse.

I also found that things improved dramatically from about 34 weeks when my bump dropped. Am now 39 weeks and things ache but the pain is nothing like it was at your stage.

I also had physio for spd and sciatica and found it helpful for a while. Sciatica and spd began at 24 weeks had physio which gradually improved symptoms and was manageable between about 28 and 34 weeks then it kicked in really bad again at this point the physio said it probably wouldnt improve until delivery. It literally went as soon as I had the baby.

I had physio for quite severe SPD. NHS physio was pretty crap, gave exercises I couldn't do, but did get referred through them for hydrotherapy which was ace. I think they try to get the maternity patients through as quick as possible, you have nothing to lose by making the referral. I also went to a private physio who specialised in pregnancy related issues, which was good and worth the money - the physio actually helped by massaging and manipulating joints to enable me to actually do the exercises, and I did have some improvement/didn't get worse. I also see an private osteopath monthly anyway for other issues, who also helped with some of the SPD pain and related symptoms like sciatica - they were the best at actually reliving symptoms. Using sports taping to support your bump can help relieve pressure - there are guides on YouTube to do this yourself, or any physio/osteopath would do it.

I saw a chiropractor for mine which meant I was no longer wheelchair bound and able to walk. Definitely would recommend

Physio worked well for me! I had no idea what to do except that standard info they give you (getting out the car/bed by swivelling, sit down to put bottoms on etc) and they have me a deep tissue massage (probably worse than the birth will be) and sole exercises which really help. Still can’t walk as I normally would but I can at least potter about a few shops and sit down without being in agony which is an absolute bonus!

21 weeks and noticing discomfort more and more. What tips can you all share to help until I can see my midwife about it?

I've had severe SPD from quite early on (21 weeks) and found the NHS completely useless at dealing with it. My GP referred me to hospital physio but in my area this is a group session and she herself said it would have been useless to me. She suggested I get my own crutches and go private, which I did. I found a local chiropractor who specialises in pregnancy issues and she diagnosed that my pelvis had gone out of line and as a result my back, pelvis, thigh and bump muscles were then in spasm. Over a course of a few sessions she got me to a point where I could actually stand and at least leave the house without being in agony. Manual therapy in my opinion and from what I've researched is the only way to relieve the symptoms so I would 100% recommend a chiro / physio / Osteo.

I spent 4 weeks being completely miserable at having lost my independence and resenting my pregnant. Now I'm 29 weeks and although I can't walk very far still or do a lot of things I used to be able to do, I'm not in the agony that I was.

I got an NHS referral for SPD which began early at 14 weeks. It was a 6 week appt wait and the NHS physio did little to nothing/said there is not much they can do but provide a belt and exercises.
It became so severe I was on crutches/bed rest by week 26 and told to expect early induction or C-section.

Both the NHS physios and the midwives recommended I try private chiropractor treatment if I could afford it.

It got so bad that I took the plunge for private chiro - found a chiro with SPD specialism nearby - (admittedly it's expensive) and it has made a world of difference. I am now 34 weeks and walking again almost SPD pain free. It's incredible and I can't recommend enough!

@strawberry2017 basic things would be to try and keep your knees close together at all times - e.g getting out of bed, getting in/out of the car. Don't open your thighs wide at all. Limit any single leg movements e.g try to avoid lots of stairs (opt for the lift).

I had steroid tablets at the last stage of pregnancy due to previous pre-term birth. My spd pain totally dissapeared, it was amazing after the pain I went through.

Take it if it's all you can get - but ideally, find a physio that specialises in women's health and has lots of experience with this - the pelvic partnership website has recommendations. I had generic physio first time round (almost useless) and specialist (via private health insurance) this time - a world of difference. Pay for private if you can!

@Mol5 thank you, I'll do my best to remember that! It's defiantly getting worse so anything is a help.