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1- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Philadelphia University, Amman, Jordan
Abstract: (13 Views)
Purpose: This literature review aims to review the efficacy of physical therapy interventions in reducing pain and improving function in women with postpartum pelvic girdle pain (PGP).
Review methods: The electronic databases were searched from the inception to May 2026. A systematic search was performed at PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane/CENTRAL, PEDro, and Google Scholar. Studies including randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and prospective cohort studies on physical therapy interventions for postpartum PGP were examined. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, version 2 (RoB-2), and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A narrative synthesis was undertaken due to clinical heterogeneity. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261396977).
Results: A total of 2,087 participants were included. Studies found specific stabilizing exercises consistently reduced pain and disability more than general exercises or usual care (6/9 studies; effect sizes 0.78-1.49). The combination of extracorporeal shock wave therapy or low-level laser therapy plus exercise outperformed a single modality, and pelvic support was less effective than lumbar orthotic support. Kinesio taping targeting the posterior oblique sling significantly reduced pain, with a mean difference of −15.1 mm and an effect size of 1.39. Risk of bias was low in 3 studies, some concerns existed in 20, and high risk of bias was present in 1.
Conclusion: Interventions in physical therapy, including specific stabilizing exercises, combined with electrophysical modalities, lumbar orthotic support, and posterior oblique sling kinesio taping, are effective for postpartum PGP. Trials of high quality, adequate power, and long-term follow-up are justified.
Review methods: The electronic databases were searched from the inception to May 2026. A systematic search was performed at PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane/CENTRAL, PEDro, and Google Scholar. Studies including randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and prospective cohort studies on physical therapy interventions for postpartum PGP were examined. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, version 2 (RoB-2), and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A narrative synthesis was undertaken due to clinical heterogeneity. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261396977).
Results: A total of 2,087 participants were included. Studies found specific stabilizing exercises consistently reduced pain and disability more than general exercises or usual care (6/9 studies; effect sizes 0.78-1.49). The combination of extracorporeal shock wave therapy or low-level laser therapy plus exercise outperformed a single modality, and pelvic support was less effective than lumbar orthotic support. Kinesio taping targeting the posterior oblique sling significantly reduced pain, with a mean difference of −15.1 mm and an effect size of 1.39. Risk of bias was low in 3 studies, some concerns existed in 20, and high risk of bias was present in 1.
Conclusion: Interventions in physical therapy, including specific stabilizing exercises, combined with electrophysical modalities, lumbar orthotic support, and posterior oblique sling kinesio taping, are effective for postpartum PGP. Trials of high quality, adequate power, and long-term follow-up are justified.
Type of Study: Systematic Review |
Subject:
Physical Therapy
Received: 2026/06/21 | Accepted: 2026/08/31
Received: 2026/06/21 | Accepted: 2026/08/31
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This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 (CC-By-NC 4.0), which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
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