SI Joint & Pelvic Girdle Pain
Pelvic Girdle Pain Doesn’t Have to Sideline You
Expert physical therapy for SI joint dysfunction, pubic symphysis pain, and pregnancy-related pelvic instability.
Understanding Pelvic Girdle Pain
When Your Pelvis Feels Unstable
Your pelvis is a ring of bones connected by three joints: two sacroiliac (SI) joints in the back and the pubic symphysis in the front. These joints are designed to be stable — they don’t move much, but they’re critical for transferring forces between your spine and legs.
When these joints become unstable or irritated, the result is pelvic girdle pain (PGP) — a condition that can make walking, climbing stairs, rolling over in bed, and even standing on one leg painful and difficult.
This is one of the most common conditions in pregnancy, affecting up to 1 in 5 pregnant women. The hormonal changes that loosen your ligaments, combined with the weight and postural demands of a growing baby, put enormous stress on these joints. But pregnancy isn’t the only cause — falls, injuries, and repetitive strain can also trigger SI joint and pelvic girdle pain.
The pelvic floor plays a critical role in stabilizing the pelvic ring. When pelvic floor muscles aren’t functioning optimally, SI joint and pelvic girdle pain is often the result. That’s why pelvic floor PT is so effective for this condition.
Signs & Symptoms
Common Signs of Pelvic Girdle Pain
Low Back & Buttock Pain
Deep, aching pain around one or both SI joints — the dimpled area of your lower back. May radiate into the buttock or down the back of the thigh. Learn more about back & hip pain →
Pain with Single-Leg Activities
Pain when standing on one leg, climbing stairs, getting in and out of the car, or stepping over things. The pelvis needs stability to handle unilateral loading.
Pubic Bone Pain (SPD)
Sharp or grinding pain at the front of your pelvis — the pubic symphysis. Often worse with walking, spreading your legs apart, or turning over in bed.
Pain Rolling Over in Bed
A sharp catch or stabbing sensation when rolling from one side to the other — one of the most common and telling signs of pelvic girdle instability.
Groin Pain
Pain deep in the groin that worsens with activity. This is often related to the pubic symphysis joint or the muscles that stabilize the front of the pelvis.
“Clicking” or Shifting Sensation
A feeling that your pelvis is clicking, popping, or shifting — like the bones aren’t staying in place. This reflects the joint instability that drives pelvic girdle pain.
How PT Helps
Stabilizing Your Pelvis From the Inside Out
The most effective treatment for pelvic girdle and SI joint pain is physical therapy that addresses both the joint instability and the muscle dysfunction driving it — including the pelvic floor.
Treatment Includes:
- Pelvic Floor Assessment & Training: Your pelvic floor muscles are a key stabilizer of the pelvic ring — retraining them is essential for SI joint recovery
- Deep Core Reactivation: Training the transverse abdominis, multifidus, and pelvic floor to work together as a stabilizing unit
- SI Joint Mobilization: Gentle hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce pain
- Hip & Gluteal Strengthening: Building strength in the muscles that support the pelvis during walking, stairs, and daily activities
- Movement Retraining: Learning how to get in/out of bed, walk, climb stairs, and carry your baby in ways that protect your pelvis
- Dry Needling: Thin needles target trigger points and tight muscle bands to release deep tension and reduce pain
- Pelvic Support Belt Guidance: If appropriate, guidance on using a pelvic support belt to provide external stability while muscles are strengthening
What to Expect
Most patients notice improvement within the first few sessions — especially with movement modifications and muscle activation strategies. Significant improvement typically occurs over 6-10 sessions. Treatment focuses on pain management, stability, and progressive strengthening.
Patient Stories
What Patients Say
“I worked with Danaya and Taylor and they were both amazing! They helped me with my hip pain and other issues while pregnant and postpartum. I have recommended them to many friends and will definitely be back.”
— Laurel Meiners — Pregnancy & Postpartum
*Reviews reflect Dr. Danaya’s work at her previous Utah Valley practice
Your Questions Answered
Common Questions About Pelvic Girdle Pain
Can I get PT for pelvic pain during pregnancy?
Absolutely. Pelvic girdle pain treatment during pregnancy is safe and highly effective. Dr. Danaya specializes in prenatal care and modifies all treatment for pregnancy. Many women see significant pain reduction even while still pregnant.
How long will my SI joint pain last after delivery?
Without treatment, it can persist for months or years. With targeted PT, most women see significant improvement within 6-10 sessions. The earlier you start, the faster the recovery.
Is a pelvic belt helpful?
A pelvic support belt can provide helpful external stability, especially during pregnancy or in the early postpartum period. It’s not a long-term solution — the goal is to build internal muscle stability — but it can be a useful tool during recovery.
Is pubic bone pain (SPD) normal during pregnancy?
It’s common but not something you have to just endure. Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) responds well to PT. Treatment can significantly reduce pain during pregnancy and help prevent it from becoming a long-term postpartum issue.
Related Conditions
You May Also Be Interested In
Ready to Move Without Pain?
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Let's assess your pelvic stability, find what's causing your pain, and build a plan to get you moving comfortably again.
Book Free ConsultationCurrently serving Spanish Fork, Payson, Salem, Santaquin, Elk Ridge, Woodland Hills, Mapleton, Springville, and surrounding Utah Valley communities