What are Symptoms of Pelvic Instability?
When there is a high degree of movement or weakening of the pelvis, there is pelvic instability or symphysiolysis. This can cause pain around the pelvis, hip and buttocks.
Common symptoms that can identify pelvic instability:
- Low back pain, around the coccyx
- Pain in the back or front of the pelvis in the area of the pubic bone
- Radiating pain in the buttock, hip, groin or pubis, towards the leg (knee or hamstring)
- Stiffened muscles (in the buttock or low back)
- Start-up pain when beginning to walk after sitting for a long time, climbing stairs, getting up and turning over in bed
- Difficulty standing on one leg
- Pain during menstruation or sexual intercourse
- Fatigue
What is the cause of Pelvic Instability?
The pelvic ring is formed by various bone parts and joints. This ring is important to establish strength between the torso and the legs. At the back, the two pelvic halves meet on either side of the sacrum through the so-called SI joints. Instability in these joints can cause pain. This is called pelvic instability.
Pelvic instability is a common discomfort during pregnancy. About 50%-60% of pregnant women experience this ranging from minor complaints to severe pelvic pain. It can also develop as a result of an accident or a sports injury, which can also affect men.
The most common cause of pelvic pain include:
- Pregnancy
- Irritation to the SI-joints
- Poor posture or movement pattern
- Asymmetry in the pelvis (tilt and / or leg length difference)
- Relaxation in the abdominal muscles
Pelvic Instability during Pregnancy
Pelvic instability is often experienced by women during or shortly after delivery. The hormone “Relaxin” ensures that the pelvic joints become more flexible in preparation for childbirth. However, in some women, the pelvis becomes too flexible, causing the straps to become overextended and sometimes damaged when excessive force is applied to the pelvis. This pelvic instability can develop and gradually deteriorate from the 14th week of pregnancy. The age at which a woman has her first child may influence the development of pelvic instability. The risk of developing pelvic instability increases with age.
Pelvic Instability with non-pregnant women and men
Pelvic instability can also occur in non-pregnant women and men. When the transverse and oblique abdominal muscles become weak, it can develop into pelvic complaints. A sports injury or accident can also lead to strained or torn pelvic ligaments. For example, a fall with a bicycle or from a horseback, or due to a strain while running long distance. The discomfort that is experienced in such cases is comparable to the complaints during or after pregnancy. Pelvic asymmetry or an unexpected, rapid change in normal movement can also cause pelvic instability. Another cause is misalignment in the pelvic joints.
Your Treatment with Pelvic Instability
The objective of the Fysio Masters treatment methods is to improve the symmetry and stability of the pelvis. This rebalances the pelvis, thereby reducing or even eliminating pain and stiffness.
During the intake, we examine your pelvis and lower back elaborately and review how your pelvic floor muscles function. During the intake you will gain insight into the ultimate source your complaints. This will also help and stimulate you to perform your pelvic instability exercises at home.
The body needs rest to repair the joints and ligaments. In addition, it also needs exercise to strengthen muscles. That is why we also focus on advice for improving posture and muscle exercises to prevent pelvic pain.
Treatment Methods
Fysio Masters uses specific pelvic floor physiotherapy techniques. Our objective for you is to help you with the relief or reduction of your pelvic and lower back pain. During the elaborate intake and physical examination, the physiotherapist will determine which treatment method is most effective to relieve your discomfort. Many patients have benefited from the following treatment methods:
- Spinal Mouse Back Scan
- Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Techniques (i.e. 4xT, Mulligan Concept and ATM Wiersma)
- Dry Needling
- Manual Therapy
- Medical Taping
- Pelvic Support
- Pelvic Stability Exercises
Testimonials Fysio Masters
“I needed acute pain relief at home. I was able to schedule an appointment, could come by quickly and was treated very well. The therapist is very customer friendly and very experienced. I would strongly recommend.” Zorgkaart Nederland – 12 september 2024.
“My back and pelvis have been brought back into default position with the ATM method, which also has made me more flexible again. In addition, I received great tips and tricks to keep it that way.” Zorgkaart Nederland – 8 juli 2025.
Request an Appointment
Are you currently experiencing pelvic instability symptoms? Many patients have been treated successfully with the unique Arthro Translation Method and are now living pain-free! Contact us today to start your path to recovery.
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