pelvicpartnership.org.uk

Crutches

Support belts

These can be used in conjunction with treatment to help to stabilise your pelvis. However, if you wear one without having your pelvic alignment checked, it may aggravate your pain. If your joints are not properly aligned, pushing them together with a belt can cause more irritation at the joints. If you experience more pain when you put it on, take it off and contact your physiotherapist for advice, reassessment and treatment. You usually need to remove a belt when you sit down as it can dig into the tops of your legs – belts are most effective when you are walking.
Tubigrip is often given out, but is difficult to put on, is often not the correct size and, again, should only be used in conjunction with treatment, so ask for more information about your options if you are just offered tubigrip.

Often the most helpful support (once your pelvis is well aligned) is a sacro-iliac support, such as a serola belt.

www.appliedbiomechanics.co.uk

www.pregnancybackcare.co.uk

Wheelchairs

If your PGP is severe, you may find it helpful to use a wheelchair if you are going out and about for any period of time. It can give you a real sense of freedom. The Red Cross has wheelchairs that you can borrow if your physiotherapist/OT cannot supply one. In addition, many major tourist attractions and shops have wheelchairs that you can use, although you may have to telephone and reserve one first. Most supermarkets have wheelchairs that you can use, and if staff are available they will go round the store with you.

Some experiences

“Some of my nicest experiences were when I was in a wheelchair because I was so happy to get out. People would approach after seeing my baby on my lap and strike up a conversation.”

“By the end of my pregnancy the weekly supermarket shop was about the only time I left the house - and I didn’t want to give it up! It gave me a sense of normality, of participating in family life. I could manage about ten minutes at a time on my crutches - so I’d choose my fruit and veg, fish and meat, etc, then go and rest on a bench for a while whilst my family got on with the boring stuff.”

“At first I felt guilty that I couldn’t do all the active stuff we used to do - playing
football, going to the park, etc, but then we started to find things we could do together without too much effort. We spent hours playing imaginary games, like shops and post offices, and rediscovered all my old board games - my son is now an expert at snakes and ladders. I ended up really enjoying myself!”