Diagnosis and treatment of postpartum pelvic girdle pain A report from daily practice

Abstract

Abstract Background: Evidence practice is becoming more important in Dutch physical therapy practice. Next to clinically relevant research in Evidence Based Practice it is believed that individual clinical expertise plays an equally important part. Individual clinical expertise is acquired by clinical experience and clinical practice. Postpartum pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is treated by pelvic physical therapists and general physical therapists in daily clinical practice.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to form a theory about the experiences and competencies needed in the physical therapy care for postpartum PGP according to physical therapists in the field. The secondary aim is to investigate if there is a clear difference between pelvic physical therapists and general physical therapists in the physical therapy care of postpartum PGP.

Method: A qualitative study design consistent with a grounded theory approach was used. Interviews where used for the data collection and the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven (QUAGOL) was used to facilitate the process of analysis.

Results: Eight themes emerged from the data regarding diagnosis, treatment and competencies; the request for help, history and examination and the use of questionnaires; goals of the patient, length of the rehabilitation and elements of the treatment; knowledge competencies and Social communicative competencies This themes relate to two concepts; the patient and practicing physical therapy and fit in the conceptual framework of physical therapy care in postpartum PGP. For the differences between pelvic physical therapists and general physical therapists showed two themes; pelvic floor and awareness of skills. Conclusion: This study gives a report of daily practice of physical therapy care of postpartum PGP with a conceptual framework. The differences found between pelvic physical therapists and general physical therapists can contribute in the further development of guidelines for daily practice.