Episode 176 Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) - a chat with Sarah

The Obs Pod

Join me as I talk with Sarah Fishburn, who shares her deeply personal journey through three pregnancies plagued by pelvic girdle pain (PGP). Sarah opens up about how the lack of adequate information and support during her experiences inspired her to create the Pelvic Partnership, an organization dedicated to educating and empowering women suffering from PGP. Together, we dissect the often misunderstood mechanics behind pelvic pain and emphasize the critical importance of early treatment and challenging common misconceptions.
Our discussion critiques the standard medical advice of using support belts and physiotherapy, advocating for thorough hands-on assessments and treatments. Sarah shares insights on the effectiveness of a comprehensive approach that includes muscle release and psychological support to address the mechanical dysfunctions of the pelvis for effective long-term pain management.
Discover the challenges many face when accessing manual therapy and sports physio within the NHS, and why patient advocacy is more crucial than ever. We provide practical advice on finding reputable private physiotherapists and discuss funding options for those who can’t afford private treatment. Finally, we address the profound impact of PGP on daily life, its psychological and social ramifications, and the vital need for a holistic approach to postnatal care. Sarah's story of resilience and advocacy serves as a powerful reminder that with the right support, women can reclaim their lives from the grips of pelvic pain.
Want to know more?
https://pelvicpartnership.org.uk/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruongqOgNkg
https://pelvicpartnership.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/PGP-Toolkit-V6.pdf
https://pelvicpartnership.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/
https://pelvicpartnership.org.uk/pelvic-partnership-wins-prize/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0266613813000107?via%3Dihub

Thank you all for listening, My name is Florence Wilcock I am an NHS doctor working as an obstetrician, specialising in the care of both mother and baby during pregnancy and birth. If you have enjoyed my podcast please do continue to subscribe, rate, review and recommend my podcast on your podcast provider.
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Chapters

1. Understanding Pelvic Girdle Pain (00:00:00)

2. Mechanical Treatment for Pelvic Pain (00:13:14)

3. Accessing Manual Therapy (00:22:49)

4. Addressing Impact of Pelvic Girdle Pain (00:30:58)

5. Empowering Birth Experiences and Pelvic Health (00:46:20)

6. Empowering Women With Pelvic Pain (00:51:15)

7. Supporting the OBS Pod (01:03:52)