Being pregnant is supposed to be a beautiful time, but for many women in Johannesburg, it comes with unexpected discomfort — particularly pain in the pelvis, lower back, or hips.
If you’re struggling to sleep at night, finding it difficult to walk up stairs, or waddling painfully through the Broadacres shopping centre, you’re not alone. Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) affect up to 1 in 5 pregnant women, and the demands of daily life in Fourways and Gauteng can make it even more challenging.
The good news is that physiotherapy offers safe, effective, and drug-free relief for pregnancy-related pelvic pain. At Broadacres Physio in Fourways, we help many expectant mothers manage and significantly reduce their pelvic pain so they can enjoy their pregnancy more comfortably.
What Is Pregnancy Pelvic Pain?
Pregnancy pelvic pain, often called Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP), occurs when the joints and ligaments in the pelvis become too mobile or unstable due to hormonal changes (particularly relaxin). This can cause pain in the lower back, hips, buttocks, groin, or pubic area.
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp or aching pain in the pelvic area
- Pain that worsens when walking, climbing stairs, turning in bed, or getting in and out of the car
- A clicking or grinding sensation in the pelvis
- Difficulty standing on one leg
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
Many women describe it as feeling like their pelvis is “falling apart” or unstable.
Why Pelvic Pain Is Common During Pregnancy in Johannesburg
Life in Gauteng adds extra strain during pregnancy:
- Long hours sitting at desks in Fourways offices
- Stop-start traffic on the N1 and William Nicol
- Carrying shopping bags at Broadacres or Fourways Mall
- Chasing after older children while pregnant
- Weight gain combined with postural changes
These everyday activities can aggravate already loosened pelvic joints, making pain more intense.
How Physiotherapy Helps Relieve Pregnancy Pelvic Pain
At Broadacres Physio, our approach is gentle, safe, and specifically tailored for pregnant women. Treatment focuses on stabilising the pelvis, reducing pain, and improving daily function without any risk to you or your baby.
Our physiotherapists — Nicola Walker, Jessica Krone, and Gemma Schultz — use a combination of:
1. Manual Therapy
Gentle hands-on techniques to realign the pelvis and release tight muscles in the hips and lower back.
2. Pelvic Support Belts
We recommend and fit the right support belt (such as a sacral belt or maternity belt) to provide external stability during daily activities.
3. Targeted Strengthening Exercises
Safe exercises to strengthen the deep core muscles, glutes, and pelvic floor without putting pressure on the abdomen.
4. Posture and Movement Education
Learning how to move, sit, stand, and sleep in ways that reduce stress on the pelvic joints.
5. Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
Helping you manage tension that can worsen pelvic pain.
All treatments are modified according to your stage of pregnancy and are 100% safe for both mother and baby.
Practical Tips for Managing Pelvic Pain at Home
Here are some helpful strategies you can start using today:
- Avoid wide-legged movements — Keep your legs together when getting in and out of bed or the car.
- Sleep with a pillow between your knees — This helps keep your pelvis aligned.
- Sit down when getting dressed — Put on socks and shoes while seated.
- Use a support belt during longer walks or when doing housework.
- Break up long periods of sitting — Stand and walk gently every 30–45 minutes.
- Take smaller steps when walking to reduce pelvic strain.
- Swimming or water walking — Excellent low-impact exercise if you have access to a pool.
When to See a Physiotherapist for Pregnancy Pelvic Pain
Don’t wait for the pain to become severe. Contact a physiotherapist in Fourways or Broadacres physio as soon as possible if you experience:
- Persistent pelvic or lower back pain
- Pain that makes walking, climbing stairs, or daily tasks difficult
- Clicking or instability in the pelvic area
- Pain that radiates into the groin or thighs
- Difficulty sleeping due to pelvic discomfort
Early intervention usually leads to much better results and helps prevent the pain from worsening in the third trimester.
Pelvic Pain and the Johannesburg Pregnancy Experience
Pregnancy in Fourways and Johannesburg brings its own unique challenges — balancing work, traffic, family responsibilities, and preparing for a new baby. Many women continue working right up until late in pregnancy, which can intensify pelvic pain.
At Broadacres Physio, we understand these realities and create practical treatment plans that fit around busy schedules, school runs, and daily life in Gauteng.
Conclusion
You don’t have to simply “put up with” pelvic pain during pregnancy. Safe, effective physiotherapy can help stabilise your pelvis, reduce pain, and allow you to move more comfortably through the rest of your pregnancy and prepare for birth.
Nicola Walker, Jessica Krone, and Gemma Schultz at Broadacres Physio are experienced in supporting expectant mothers and provide compassionate, professional care in our Fourways practice.
Ready to get relief from your pregnancy pelvic pain?
Book an appointment with our women’s health physiotherapy team today. We’ll carefully assess your symptoms and create a safe, personalised treatment plan designed specifically for you and your stage of pregnancy.
Visit https://www.baphysio.co.za or contact our Broadacres practice in Fourways to schedule your assessment.
Take the first step towards a more comfortable pregnancy — you and your baby deserve it.
Internal linking suggestions:
- Link to “Postnatal Recovery: Regaining Core Strength After Birth”
- Link to “Understanding Lower Back Pain: Common Causes and How Physio Can Help in Johannesburg”
- Link to “Women’s Health Physio: Addressing Incontinence After Childbirth”
FAQ
Q1: Is physiotherapy safe during pregnancy? Yes. All treatments at Broadacres Physio are modified to be completely safe for both mother and baby at every stage of pregnancy.
Q2: How soon will I feel relief from pelvic pain? Many women notice improvement within 2–4 sessions, although full relief depends on the severity and how early treatment begins.
Q3: Do I need a doctor’s referral for pregnancy physio? No referral is needed. You can book directly with our team.
Q4: Can I still exercise if I have pelvic pain? Yes, but the exercises need to be modified. Your physiotherapist will show you safe movements and ones to avoid.
Q5: Will pelvic pain go away after giving birth? In most cases, yes. However, proper physiotherapy during pregnancy helps speed up recovery and reduces the chance of long-term issues.
Take Control of Your Pain Today
Don’t let pain or stiffness hold you back. Heat and cold therapy at Broadacres Physio in Broadacres, Fourways can help you manage discomfort, recover faster, and live an active life. Our expert physiotherapists are ready to guide you with personalized, science-backed care.
Ready to feel the difference? Visit www.baphysio.co.za to book your appointment today. Let Broadacres Physio help you thrive in Fourways, Johannesburg!
📍 Visit us at Broadacres Physio in Fourways
📞 Call us on 011 467 8300
📧 Email us at admin@baphysio.co.za
🌐 www.baphysio.co.za
Let’s get you moving, healing, and thriving — the way your body was designed to.
Broadacres Physio – Where Healing Starts With Understanding
At Broadacres Physio, we believe that healing starts by understanding you. By treating the underlying causes — not just the symptoms — we give you the tools, knowledge, and support to reclaim your health and stay pain-free for the long run.
Let’s keep you moving. Book your session today at www.baphysio.co.za.
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