Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, or simply known as ‘SPD’, is pain and discomfort found in the pelvic or groin area, usually occurring during pregnancy.  It is sometimes referred to as pelvic girdle pain.

Symptoms of SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction)

SPD pain can be at the front of the pubic bone, on just one or both sides.

Women with SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) in pregnancy may feel pain:

• at the front of the pubic bone, on just one or both sides
• across the lower back
• in the perineum (between your vagina and anus)
• in the thighs

It is not unusual for women to feel a clicking sensation in the pelvic area and the pain can be most noticeable when you’re:

• walking, especially up steps
• raising one leg above the other
• turning over in bed

I’ve known some ladies become dependent on crutches due to SPD pain becoming so bad.

Why does Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) happen?

It is thought that Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) is due to the over production of a hormone called ‘Relaxin’. This hormone loosens the ligaments and muscles in the stomach and pelvic floor area.

This hormone increases during pregnancy so that your pelvis can open easier when giving birth.

Unfortunately an imbalance can occur with this hormone and you can start producing this hormone too early in pregnancy causing the above condition and symptoms.

If you start with these symptoms early then they can tend to get worse as the pregnancy progresses.

What should you do if you experience SPD symptoms?

If you start to suffer from symptoms associated with Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) then see your Caregiver practitioner for help and advice.

From my own experience, I have found that when ladies are suffering with this condition they are usually referred to a physiotherapist.

In some cases this can help to minimize pain and improve stability and muscle function, but this does not address the hormonal imbalance which has caused the problem to start with.

To get to the root and really try to alleviate and eliminate most of the pain  hormones need to be put back into balance.

How reflexology helps Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)

I have worked with many ladies who suffer with SPD to rebalance there hormones. They have visited me during varying stages of this condition.

The worst case I have seen of Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) was a lady in her early 30’s who was pregnant with her first child.  She arrived at my house on crutches and had been off work for weeks as she was in so much pain.  It was difficult for her to put one leg in front of the other, especially when trying to climb stairs.

Using my hormonal balancing technique I worked on all the endocrine glands within the feet to try to balance them.

The treatment is very relaxing and no discomfort is felt during this procedure.  To be honest, the treatment is given with the lightest of touches.  It can be quite impressive how quickly hormones can react to this light treatment and my client benefited from this treatment so much so that she returned to work within 4 days and no longer required her crutches.

The pain became a lot more manageable throughout the rest of her pregnancy.

Not all ladies react in the same way though.

Does Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) effect your baby

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) doesn’t directly affect your baby but it can cause upset and stress during, what should be a very happy time, due to the discomfort.

SPD could also cause problems with a vaginal delivery.

Once baby is born though your symptoms should subside.  If they do not then you should seek advice from your doctor who will determine if there is another underlying condition causing this.

 

If you are suffering from Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) and would like to book a reflexology session to help relieve your symptoms please contact me today

Providing reflexology throughout Yorkshire including Halifax, Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield

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