Have you ever heard of pubic symphysis dysfunction? It's a relatively common condition, yet many of us have never heard about it or the pain associated with it. Don't worry, you're not alone in this.

Pubic symphysis dysfunction (PSD) occurs when there is inflammation and/or misalignment of the joints at the top of your pelvic bone. This can cause significant pain in the lower back and pelvis that can be both debilitating and excruciating.
The good news is that this condition is treatable. In this article, we'll discuss what PSD is, its symptoms, how to diagnose it, and how osteopathy can help make a difference in your life. We'll also explain why osteopathy is often touted as the best treatment for this condition—and why you should consider seeking an osteopathic practitioner if you're dealing with pubic symphysis dysfunction.

What Is Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction?

Being in pain can be a very uncomfortable experience. If you're experiencing pain in your pubic area, it's possible that you have something known as pubic symphysis dysfunction.

Pubic symphysis dysfunction is a condition when the cartilage of the joints located between your pubic bones becomes swollen and inflamed, resulting in pain, instability, and range of motion restrictions. This condition is usually caused by activities or pregnancy that places a lot of stress on the area. Common symptoms include pelvic pain, hip dysfunctions and spasms or clicks in the lower abdominal area.

If left untreated, pubic symphysis dysfunction can worsen over time resulting in an increased amount of discomfort. Thankfully, there are several options you can choose to help manage this condition and reduce its effects on your life. One such option is osteopathy - an alternative medical treatment that focuses on promoting better physical health. Osteopaths use manual therapies such as massage, stretching and joint manipulations to relieve tension from muscles and ligaments so that you can get back to feeling more comfortable again.

Symptoms of Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction
Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction (PSD) can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and can interfere with your daily life. The most common symptoms are pain in the lower abdomen, groin or pelvis area, as well as pain during movement, such as walking or climbing stairs. You may also experience stiffness or tightness in this area, particularly when transitioning from one position to another. Other symptoms include decreased range of motion in the hips and lower back, difficulty standing or maintaining certain positions for any length of time, difficulty urinating or having bowel movements, feeling of instability when standing or walking, and tenderness along the pubic bone.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is important to seek medical attention as they could be indicative of PSD. An osteopath can provide an accurate assessment by evaluating your movement and range of motion in order to determine the underlying cause of your discomfort.

Are There Risk Factors for Developing Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction?
Yes, there is evidence to suggest that certain conditions make individuals more susceptible.

Overweight or Obese individuals
People who are overweight or obese tend to have a lower back that shifts forward and puts increased pressure on the pubic area. This can cause PSD or exacerbate an existing condition.

Pregnancy
Pregnancy hormones can cause the pelvic joints to become lax, resulting in increased instability and disruption of normal mechanics. This is especially true in the later stages of pregnancy, when the extra weight makes it more difficult for the body to maintain balance and alignment. This can lead to discomfort and issues with how the joints in your pelvis are functioning—something known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD).

Physical Trauma or Injury
Physical trauma or injury can also cause strain on your pelvis, which can result in changes in how your joints move and put you at risk for PSD. Some physical activities—such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects—can put excessive force on your pelvis, leading to pain and instability.

By understanding these risk factors, you can take steps to reduce your chances of developing PSD or make managing it easier if you already have it. Osteopaths are well-equipped to help treat PSD as they look at the body holistically to identify dysfunction within all parts of it in order to help alleviate pain and promote wellbeing.

What Treatments Are Available for Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction?
If you've been diagnosed with pubic symphysis dysfunction, then you may be searching for ways to treat it. Luckily, there are a number of treatments available for this type of condition. One of the most common is osteopathy. Osteopathy is a holistic and natural approach to healthcare that uses gentle manual therapy techniques to help improve musculoskeletal conditions.

Here's how osteopathy can help with pubic symphysis dysfunction:

- It helps relax and release tight muscles in the abdominal, pelvic and hip area.
- It helps restore proper alignment of the pelvic bones, which can reduce symptoms such as pain and discomfort in the area caused by misalignment or instability of the joint.
- It helps restore normal movement patterns and biomechanics, which can help reduce strain on muscles and joints in the pelvic region.
- It provides relief from pain associated with pubic symphysis dysfunction by helping improve circulation and reduce inflammation in the area.
- It helps restore lost flexibility due to tight muscles around the pelvis, which can help reduce risk of further injury or discomfort associated with pubic symphysis dysfunction.

If you're dealing with pubic symphysis dysfunction then speaking with an experienced osteopath may be beneficial for you in finding relief from your condition and getting back to living an active lifestyle free from pain and discomfort!

How Can an Osteopath Help With Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction?
It's no wonder you're wondering how a professional osteopath can help with Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction. After all, the symptoms can often be difficult to live with.
Fortunately, an experienced osteopath can help you out with this condition through a few different techniques. Here are some of the ways osteopaths address Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction:

Manual Therapy
The mainstay of an osteopathic treatment for this condition is manual therapy. This involves gently manipulating and massaging the tissues around the pubic area, as well as releasing any adhesions or scar tissue that have formed in the area. These techniques are designed to reduce pain and improve mobility in the pubic area, allowing your body to heal naturally.

Postural Correction
An osteopath will also assess your posture and look at how your posture may be contributing to your Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction symptoms. Often, correcting posture alone can have a positive effect on pain levels and mobility in the pubic area, so it’s important that it’s addressed if it’s an issue for you.

Relaxation Techniques
Finally, an experienced osteopath will likely teach you some relaxation techniques to help calm both your body and mind when you experience symptoms of Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction. This could include practices such as mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises, which can reduce stress levels and aid healing in the body.

What Other Advice Should You Consider When Managing This Condition?
Managing pubic symphysis dysfunction isn't something you should take for granted, and there are a few other tips you should make sure to follow.

Posture Awareness
Making sure you maintain good posture when standing or sitting is really important. Without noticing, many of us slump our shoulders or hunch over, which can lead to extra tension on the pelvis joints and muscles.

Altering Your Movements
If you’ve been feeling discomfort around the pubic bone area, it's best to avoid any movements that cause additional strain—try not to cross your legs while seated or avoid bending and compressing your hips too much if you can help it.

Incorporate Stretching
Stretching is always a great way to manage discomfort in any area of the body—it helps promote flexibility and elongates the muscles that have been clenching up in response to pain. Osteopathy also uses stretching as part of its treatment plan as well.
The key is to find stretches that work best for you, considering the type of pain you are experiencing and its location. Some recommended stretches include seated hamstring stretches, inner thigh pulls, kneeling lunge stretches and more.

Conclusion
Pubis Symphysis Dysfunction can present with a range of mild to severe symptoms, making it difficult for individuals to move and interfere with day-to-day activities. Osteopathy can help relieve the tension and pain associated with this condition, as well as restore the normal functioning of the body.
Osteopaths can address the root cause and symptoms of Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction and devise a treatment plan to help you get back to living your life. They can also provide lifestyle advice to help you manage the condition and reduce the impact of its symptoms on your daily routine.
If you’re struggling with persistent discomfort or pain, it’s best to get it checked out by a professional. Osteopaths are experienced in dealing with Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction and can provide personalized treatment and support to help you get back to your everyday life as quickly and painlessly as possible.