Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Having suffered with Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (a.k.a. SPD, Diastis Symphysis Pubis, pelvic girdle pain, and pregnancy-related pelvic pain) for most of two pregnancies now, I was very intrigued by this book that my sister gave me for Christmas. It was written by a physical therapist from the Netherlands who has had pelvic problems during her own pregnancies, and developed exercises to reduce the pain of SPD.
One of the most interesting things about this book is that it goes counter to what I've often read (mostly on the Internet, since this is the first book I've ever come across that discussed this issue). Most advice runs along the lines of "keep your knees together ALL THE TIME." Rolling over, getting out of the car, when seated, etc. The author of this book says that this only exacerbates the problem (which is caused by misalignment in the sacro-iliac joint) and that symmetrical and stabilized movement is most important. Many of the exercises involve a knees-apart posture (which I would have thought would be excruciating to me, but I've found they actually help!), stretching and strengthening the muscles around the hips to help stabilize them.
I like the author's methodology (large-scale research, well documented) and personal approach. I do have some beefs with the book, including a less-than-ideal layout (illustrations for exercises on different pages than the explanations) and some vagueness in the directions for the exercises (how long do I hold it? how many repetitions? how far away from me should my feet be? should I hold my back flat to the floor? Etc.) Overall, however, I felt the book was both a good overview of the causes of pregnancy-related pelvic pain that included an in-depth look of how it affects the lives of those who live with it. It has sections for both the layperson/patient and for physical therapists (I'm taking it with me the next time I go to PT). It's a good resource for those of us who have SPD and don't want to end up in a wheelchair or on crutches by the end of our pregnancies.
I've tried the basic Symmetry and Stabilization exercises, and found them to be very helpful in relieving pain when I feel "out of whack." Also, as a result of the section on how SPD affects lifestyle, I have tried not to limit my range of motion while limiting the stress that I put on my pelvis. (One of the effects that SPD often has is to make you feel as if you will really hurt yourself if you go beyond a very limited range of motion, which is why I would have appreciated more explicit directions for the exercises.) Some of the basic "body mechanics" techniques I have found particularly helpful, especially the "how to roll over in bed" maneuver. I can now roll in bed relatively pain free (!) - which was impossible without outside assistance in my last pregnancy.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has had pelvic pain during or after pregnancy - I wish I'd had it with my first pregnancy.
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Relieving Pelvic Pain During and After Pregnancy: How Women Can Heal Chronic Pelvic InstabilityPregnancy weakens the ligaments that keep the pelvic bones together. If those weakened ligaments become overloaded or injured, it results in pelvic instability - pain around the joints that can be brief or last for years after the birth. In 1996, Cecile Röst, who suffered from this condition herself, devised a treatment program that is simple, home based, and proven to work. Her book, with over 100 illustrations and detailed testimonials, is divided into two parts. The first part shows simple exercises for symmetry and stabilization, and the proper way to lie, sit, and get out of a car in order to prevent pelvic instability during pregnancy. Patients can practice these exercises and positions with or without a care provider's help. Part two, aimed at care providers, shows the results of a survey carried out among 200 women suffering from pelvic complaints. Here the author also presents a theoretical treatise of pelvic pain, the protocol of the first consult, and the contents of the therapy, including a sports program.
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