If you are someone living with Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), you know just how miserable it can be. SPD can take something as simple as walking to the other room and turn it into a harrowing journey worthy of a heroic literary trilogy. In this blog post, we'll delve into the challenges posed by SPD and how Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) offers a holistic approach to relief and recovery.
Understanding Postpartum SPD
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) in the postpartum period is characterized by pain and discomfort around the pubic bone, often due to the strain placed on this area during pregnancy and childbirth. As the pregnancy progresses, the body prepares itself to deliver the baby by producing a hormone called relaxin that - you guessed it - relaxes the ligaments in the pelvis. (It actually is an overachiever and relaxes ALL the ligaments in the body which is why by the end of pregnancy and shortly after giving birth you may feel like you are made of toothpicks and chewing gum. But more on that in another post.) Anyways, in extreme cases, the pubic symphysis can separate, literally splitting you in two. It may be only millimeters of separation but it may as well be a football field given the amount of pain it can cause. Turns out you really need your pelvis to be intact. Who knew.
The Effects of Postpartum SPD
SPD can manifest in various ways, including:
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Pain and Discomfort: Individuals with SPD often experience persistent pain in the pelvic area, making routine activities challenging. (Think "someone is stabbing me right above my vagina" kind of pain.)
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Difficulty Walking: Walking, especially with a wide stride, can become painful and uncomfortable for those dealing with postpartum SPD. That is because our legs generally rely on the integrity of the pubic symphysis to provide the "push back" they need to propel us forward while we walk. Take that away and it's like you are a Jenga tower with a weak base. Except the tower is walking and it's actually toothpicks and chewing gum.
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Limited Mobility: Everyday movements such as getting in and out of a car or climbing stairs, can be hindered by postpartum SPD. Anything that requires you to widen your stance or spread your knees apart becomes nightmarish.
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Emotional Impact: This holds true for basically every type of pain. But coping with chronic pain can have emotional repercussions, potentially leading to stress, anxiety, and in this case, postpartum depression.
How OMM Can Alleviate SPD
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) takes a patient-centered, holistic approach to address postpartum SPD effectively. Here's how OMM can provide relief and support recovery:
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Muscle Relaxation: OMM practitioners use gentle techniques to assess and address musculoskeletal imbalances in the abdomino-pelvic region. By manipulating and re-educating affected muscles, they can alleviate tension, reduce pain, and encourage the pubic symphysis to heal.
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Alignment Correction: OMM focuses on aligning the body's structures, including the pelvis. Correcting misalignments can relieve stress on the pubic symphysis and surrounding structures, promoting better function. Sometimes the solution is as easy as simply "popping" the joint back into place. It can be as painful as it sounds. But then the pain disappears almost immediately.
Ligamentous Healing and Improved Circulation: OMM techniques enhance blood flow to the pelvic area, supporting the healing process and reducing inflammation. This is absolutely essential in recovery for SPD. The joint has been traumatized (like spraining an ankle or twisting your ACL) and will need several months to heal. Repeat OMM visits can help encourage the anatomy to get and stay healed.
Embracing Relief with OMM
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) can be a challenging condition, impacting individuals' lives following childbirth. However, there is hope for relief and recovery through holistic approaches like Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). By addressing muscle tension, alignment issues, and stress, OMM offers a comprehensive strategy for managing postpartum SPD.
If you're dealing with SPD, please consider OMM as a potential solution. Seeking support and treatment is a proactive step toward regaining comfort and mobility in your postpartum journey..
