Physical therapy for pubic
symphysis dysfunction

Does physical therapy help pubic symphysis dysfunction?

Yes, in many cases, physical therapy can help reduce pubic symphysis (joint at the front of the pelvis, connecting the left and right pubic bones) pain and make daily movement feel more stable again, especially when care focuses on the whole pelvic girdle (ring-like bony structure that stabilizes the pelvis), not just the front joint^1,2,3.

Physical therapy supports recovery by improving:

• Strength, especially in the hips, glutes, and deep core muscles that help share load across the pelvis^1,3
• Mobility, so you can move without “guarding” or bracing all day¹
• Motor control, which is your body’s timing and coordination for tasks like rolling in bed, walking, and stairs³
• Pain regulation, using graded movement, education, pacing, and confidence-building so your nervous system can calm down over time^1,3

It is typically a first-line treatment because most pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain improves with conservative care, and guidelines recommend education plus active movement rather than rest alone or early imaging for typical cases. Compared with passive treatments, physical therapy helps you rebuild capacity so daily tasks gradually feel safer and easier again.^1,3

Goals of physical therapy for pelvis symphysis dysfunction

Physical therapy is not one-size-fits-all. A plan should match your symptoms, your stage (pregnancy or postpartum), and what you need to do every day.

Common short-term goals include:

• Reducing pain during walking, stairs, getting dressed, and turning in bed^1,3
• Learning positions and movement strategies that lower strain on the front of the pelvis^1,2
• Improving confidence with simple transitions like sit-to-stand and getting in and out of the car^1,3

Common longer-term goals include:

• Building hip, glute, and core strength so the pelvis feels more supported during parenting tasks and work demands^1,3
• Returning to exercise and single-leg activities gradually, without flare-ups³

Lowering the chance of lingering postpartum symptoms by addressing strength, movement habits, and load management early^3,6

What results can I expect with physical therapy?

Many people notice meaningful improvement in about 6 to 12 weeks with guided exercise, education, and pacing, especially after delivery, but recovery is different for each person.^1,3,4

You can often expect:

• Easier walking and stair use over time, with fewer sharp “catching” moments^1,3
• Better bed mobility and less pain with rolling and getting up^1,2
• Improved daily function and quality of life as strength and coordination return^3,4

Some people recover quickly, while others take longer. Persistent symptoms are more likely when pain and disability are higher early on, or when stress, low mood, or widespread pain are also present, which is why a supportive, step-by-step plan matters.^3.6

Sword's approach

Sword Health helps people manage pain and movement issues with expert-guided AI care you can use from home. Our model combines clinical support with modern technology, designed to work around your life.

Sword makes recovery easier and more accessible. You get high-quality care at home, guided by clinicians and supported by smart technology.

• Care that adapts to your progress in real time
• Licensed experts guiding every step
• Simple, non-invasive, evidence-based programs
• Proven results for pain relief, movement, and satisfaction

Clinical insight

European guidelines for pelvic girdle pain recommend education and active rehabilitation as core treatment, including strategies that improve load transfer and movement control, rather than prolonged rest¹. Postpartum clinical practice guidance also supports graded strengthening and motor control retraining to help people return to walking, stairs, and parenting tasks more comfortably³.