Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a common condition that causes discomfort around the pelvis, lower back, or hips during pregnancy. It develops as hormonal changes and postural shifts increase stress on the pelvic joints. Physical therapy can help stabilize the pelvis, reduce pain, and improve comfort during daily activities.

Are you experiencing pain in your lower back, hips, or pubic bone during pregnancy? Does walking, climbing stairs, or rolling in bed cause discomfort? These symptoms may be related to pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP), a condition that affects many individuals during pregnancy.

At Rose Physical Therapy in Washington, DC, physical therapists provide gentle, individualized care designed to reduce pelvic pain, improve stability, and support your body throughout pregnancy.

What Is Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain?

Pelvic girdle pain refers to discomfort in the joints of the pelvis, most commonly involving:

• The sacroiliac (SI) joints at the back of the pelvis
• The pubic symphysis at the front of the pelvis

During pregnancy, hormonal and mechanical changes increase stress on these joints. As the body prepares for childbirth, ligaments loosen and the growing uterus shifts the body’s center of gravity. These changes can place additional strain on the pelvis and surrounding muscles.

What Causes Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy?

Several factors may contribute to pelvic girdle pain:

Hormonal changes
Hormones such as relaxin increase ligament flexibility, which may reduce joint stability.

Postural changes
As the abdomen grows, the center of gravity shifts forward, increasing stress on the pelvis and lower back.

Previous pelvic or back injuries
Past injuries may make the pelvis more vulnerable to strain during pregnancy.

Weak core or pelvic muscles
Insufficient muscular support can place more load on the pelvic joints.

Asymmetrical movement patterns
Habits such as standing unevenly or carrying weight on one side can increase joint stress.

What Does Pelvic Girdle Pain Feel Like?

Symptoms may vary but commonly include:

• Pain at the front of the pelvis near the pubic bone
• Pain in the lower back or back of the hips
• Increased discomfort with walking, climbing stairs, or standing
• Pain when rolling in bed or getting in and out of a car
• A clicking or grinding sensation in the pelvic joints
• A feeling of instability or heaviness in the pelvis
• Difficulty performing single-leg activities such as putting on pants

Pelvic girdle pain can range from mild discomfort to more significant pain that interferes with daily movement.

How Is Pelvic Girdle Pain Evaluated?

At Rose Physical Therapy, evaluation includes a detailed assessment to determine whether pelvic girdle pain is the source of your symptoms.

This may include:

• Postural and movement analysis
• Pelvic joint mobility testing
• Strength assessment of the core, hips, and pelvic floor
• Functional movement testing such as walking or stair climbing

Your therapist may also screen for related conditions such as pubic symphysis dysfunction or diastasis recti, which can sometimes occur during pregnancy.

How Physical Therapy Helps Pelvic Girdle Pain

Physical therapy focuses on improving pelvic stability while reducing strain on irritated joints.

Treatment at Rose Physical Therapy may include:

Manual therapy
Gentle techniques to reduce joint irritation and release tight muscles.

Pelvic stabilization exercises
Strengthening the deep core, glutes, and pelvic floor.

Movement and postural education
Teaching safer strategies for walking, lifting, and changing positions.

Supportive bracing
In some cases, an SI belt may help reduce stress on the pelvic joints.

Personalized home exercise program
Exercises that adapt as pregnancy progresses and support long-term comfort.

Find Relief from Pelvic Girdle Pain at Rose Physical Therapy

Pregnancy-related pelvic pain can make everyday movement challenging, but the right care can help you stay active and comfortable. At Rose Physical Therapy, we provide individualized treatment designed to support your body through every stage of pregnancy.

If pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy is affecting your daily life, Rose Physical Therapy is here to help. Schedule an evaluation at one of our Washington, DC locations:

Farragut North
Friendship Heights
Navy Yard

Early treatment can help reduce pain, improve pelvic stability, and support a more comfortable pregnancy.

Pelvic Asymmetry and Leg Length Discrepancy

Summary:
Pelvic asymmetry and leg length discrepancy occur when the pelvis becomes uneven or one leg appears longer than the other. These imbalances can affect posture, walking mechanics, and load distribution throughout the body. Physical therapy focuses on restoring alignment, improving muscle balance, and optimizing movement.

Do you feel like one leg is longer than the other? Have you been told your pelvis is “tilted” or “rotated”? These symptoms may be related to pelvic asymmetry or leg length discrepancy, biomechanical issues that can affect posture, walking patterns, and joint loading.

At Rose Physical Therapy in Washington, DC, physical therapists specialize in identifying and correcting subtle alignment issues to restore balance and reduce pain.

What Is Pelvic Asymmetry?

Pelvic asymmetry occurs when the two sides of the pelvis are not aligned evenly.

This imbalance may result from:

• A true anatomical leg length difference
• Muscle imbalances that alter pelvic position
• Joint stiffness affecting the pelvis or spine
• Postural or movement habits that load one side more than the other

These changes can influence how forces move through the body during standing, walking, or exercise.

What Causes Leg Length Discrepancy or Pelvic Imbalance?

Several factors may contribute to asymmetry:

True leg length discrepancy
A structural difference in bone length, often present from birth or resulting from injury.

Functional leg length discrepancy
Muscle imbalances, pelvic tilt, or spinal alignment changes can make one leg appear longer.

Pelvic obliquity
Rotation or tilt of the pelvis that changes how weight is distributed.

Previous injuries or surgeries
Fractures, joint injuries, or inflammation may alter pelvic mechanics.

Neuromuscular imbalances
Weak or tight muscles around the hips and pelvis can pull the pelvis out of alignment.

What Does Pelvic Asymmetry Feel Like?

Symptoms may include:

• Feeling like one leg is longer or shorter
• Uneven weight distribution when standing
• Low back, hip, or SI joint pain on one side
• Tightness in the hamstrings, hip flexors, or lower back
• Knee or ankle pain from uneven loading
• Recurring injuries with running, squatting, or walking
• Uneven wear patterns on shoes

These symptoms often develop gradually as the body compensates for the imbalance.

How Is Pelvic Asymmetry Evaluated?

At Rose Physical Therapy, evaluation focuses on identifying whether the issue is structural or functional.

Assessment may include:

• Postural alignment analysis
• Leg length measurements
• Pelvic and spinal mobility testing
• Core and hip strength testing
• Gait analysis during walking or running
• Functional movement screening

This comprehensive evaluation helps determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

How Physical Therapy Helps Pelvic Asymmetry

Physical therapy aims to restore balance and improve movement efficiency.

Treatment at Rose Physical Therapy may include:

Manual therapy
Techniques to restore mobility in the pelvis, spine, or hips.

Neuromuscular reeducation
Training muscles to activate in the correct sequence.

Targeted strengthening
Building stability in the glutes, core, and hip stabilizers.

Stretching and mobility work
Releasing tight muscles contributing to pelvic imbalance.

Gait retraining
Improving walking or running mechanics.

Heel lifts or shoe inserts
For confirmed structural leg length differences.

Personalized home exercise program
Exercises designed to maintain alignment and prevent recurrence.

Restore Balance with Rose Physical Therapy

Pelvic asymmetry and leg length differences can place stress on the spine and joints, but targeted treatment can help restore balance and improve comfort. At Rose Physical Therapy, we focus on identifying the root cause of asymmetry and helping you move with greater efficiency.

If pelvic imbalance or leg length discrepancy is affecting your daily life, Rose Physical Therapy is here to help. Schedule an evaluation at one of our Washington, DC locations: