Why do I have hip pain during pregnancy and what can I do?

For many women, pregnancy leads to many positive feelings. It can cause joyful anticipation, for instance, but being pregnant can also lead to physical pain that you may not have felt before. 

One issue that many women face during pregnancy is hip pain. A medical study from 2018 reports that over 32% of pregnant women develop hip pain, and pain in this joint typically develops during the third trimester. If you are having hip pain during pregnancy, a physical therapist can help pinpoint which issue is causing your pain, and these specialists also offer effective treatment options for hip pain. 

Common causes of hip pain during pregnancy

The hip and pelvic area contains many structures, and it’s this complexity that makes these areas prime candidates for pregnancy-related pain. Just a few of the issues that can cause hip pain in pregnant women are: 

• Sciatica
• Hormones softening connective tissue
• Round ligament dysfunction
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Poor posture

What can physical therapists do to treat hip pain during pregnancy?

After determining the source of your hip pain, your physical therapist will develop a personalized plan to treat it. Some of the therapy techniques that could be used in such a plan include: 

• Joint mobilization to decrease stiffness in the hip joint. 

• Soft tissue mobilization to reduce tension in muscles that support your hips. 

• Therapeutic exercises to build up your hip muscles. 

• Ergonomics recommendations to help improve your posture. 

• Pelvic rehabilitation to strengthen and stretch pelvic floor muscles. 

Need help with hip pain during your pregnancy? Excel PT is here to help you!

Are you one of the many women who has developed hip pain while pregnant? Our physical therapists at Excel Sports & Physical Therapy can help you treat your pain. Our team offers free screenings that can reveal the source of your hip pain. Furthermore, we are adept at constructing therapy plans that are individualized to fit your needs. These plans are also designed to decrease pain and prevent it from returning.

Finding it harder to leave home while you’re pregnant? You can still get care from our experienced therapists. In fact, we offer virtual therapy and at-home care services that are intended to be used for in-home treatment. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.