Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Back Pain During Pregnancy: Physiotherapy Treatment in Faridabad
Back pain during pregnancy affects 50–80% of women, making it one of the most prevalent pregnancy-related complaints. Hormonal changes (relaxin causing ligamentous laxity), postural shifts from the growing uterus, weight gain, and changes in the centre of gravity all contribute.
With appropriate physiotherapy, pregnancy-related back pain can be sharply reduced — allowing women to remain active and comfortable throughout their pregnancy.
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, our expert physiotherapists provide personalised, evidence-based care. Serving NIT, Green Field Colony, Ballabhgarh, Sector 21–82, and across Faridabad. Contact us: +91 9818185589.
Research Insight: Research published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews confirmed that physiotherapy — specifically personalised exercise programmes and pelvic support belts — noticeably reduces pregnancy-related back and pelvic girdle pain and improves daily function, with no adverse effects on mother or baby.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Relaxin: pregnancy hormone causing ligamentous laxity in the sacroiliac joint and lumbar spine
- Anterior pelvic tilt: growing uterus shifts centre of gravity forward, increasing lumbar lordosis
- Weight gain: increasing loading on all spinal structures
- Abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti): weakening core support of the lumbar spine
- Sleep position limitations: unable to lie prone or comfortably supine in late pregnancy
- Pre-existing back conditions exacerbated by pregnancy-related changes
Signs and Symptoms
- Lower back pain: lumbar aching increasing with gestational age
- Pelvic girdle pain: SIJ and pubic symphysis pain, worsened by walking or leg activities
- Sciatica: sciatic nerve compression from postural changes or piriformis irritation
- Pubic symphysis dysfunction (SPD): sharp anterior pelvic pain on standing or rolling over
- Round ligament pain: sharp lower abdominal pain from ligament stretching
- Sleep disruption from inability to find a comfortable position
Pregnancy back pain is not something women simply have to endure. So many patients come to us in the third trimester who have been suffering for months.
Within 3–4 sessions of targeted physiotherapy, they are sleeping better and moving with far less pain. Physiotherapy during pregnancy is completely safe and highly effective.
- ✦ 50–80% of pregnant women experience considerable back pain
- ✦ Physiotherapy reduces pregnancy-related back pain by 40–55%
- ✦ Pelvic girdle pain affects 20% of pregnant women — physiotherapy is the primary treatment
- ✦ Diastasis recti occurs in 60% of women in the third trimester — requires specific management
Physiotherapy Treatment at Realign Rehab, Faridabad
- Pregnancy-safe manual therapy: gentle lumbar mobilisation and sacroiliac joint techniques
- Pregnancy-specific exercise programme: safe core, gluteal, and pelvic floor strengthening
- Pelvic girdle belt: providing SIJ compression and stability for pelvic girdle pain
- Sleep position guidance: pillow placement for lumbar and hip support
- Aquatic physiotherapy: buoyancy reducing the load of pregnancy on the spine
- Postural correction for the pregnant body: adapting to changing centre of gravity
- Pelvic floor rehabilitation: both during pregnancy and post-natal recovery
- Labour preparation: breathing, movement, and positioning techniques
Recovery Programme
Phase 1 — Pain Relief (Weeks 1–3): Manual therapy, electrotherapy, and gentle movement to reduce inflammation and restore baseline function.
Phase 2 — Strengthening (Weeks 3–8): Progressive resistance training, neuromuscular re-education, and functional retraining.
Phase 3 — Return to Activity (Weeks 8–16): Task-specific conditioning and a home programme to prevent recurrence.
Why Choose Realign Rehab Clinic, Faridabad?
Led by Dr. Vaishali Suri (BPT), Realign Rehab delivers one-on-one physiotherapy with advanced electrotherapy, manual therapy, and home visits.
Located at NIT-5, Faridabad — accessible from Green Field Colony, Sector 21–82, Ballabhgarh, and the Delhi border.
- Personalised plans — no generic protocols
- Evidence-based rehabilitation aligned with international guidelines
- Home visits for post-operative and mobility-limited patients
- Flexible appointments: Mon–Sat, 9 AM – 7 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Is physiotherapy safe during pregnancy?
Yes — physiotherapy is completely safe during all stages of pregnancy. Our physiotherapists are experienced in pregnancy-safe techniques, avoiding positions and forces inappropriate during pregnancy.
What exercises help back pain during pregnancy?
Pelvic floor exercises, bird-dog, side-lying clamshells, and gentle pelvic tilts are safe throughout pregnancy. Swimming and aquatic exercise are particularly beneficial. Avoid exercises on your back after 16 weeks.
What is pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy?
Pelvic girdle pain is pain in the sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis caused by relaxin-induced ligamentous laxity. It causes difficulty walking, climbing stairs, and rolling over in bed.
Physiotherapy and a pelvic girdle belt are the primary treatments.
Can physiotherapy help sciatica in pregnancy?
Yes — pregnancy-related sciatica from postural changes, piriformis irritation, or disc loading responds well to pregnancy-safe physiotherapy including neural mobilisation, postural correction, and piriformis release.
When should I start physiotherapy for pregnancy back pain?
As soon as symptoms affect your daily activities or sleep. Earlier intervention produces better outcomes. Physiotherapy during pregnancy also prepares you for labour and reduces post-natal recovery time.
Book Your Consultation
Contact Realign Rehab Clinic today:
- 📍 NIT-5, Faridabad (near Green Field Colony, Ballabhgarh Road)
- 📞 +91 9818185589
- 🕑 Mon–Sat: 9 AM – 7 PM