Use of a maternity support binder for PGP

A maternity support belt assists the lower back in managing the weight of a mother’s stomach during the course of her pregnancy and/or the effectiveness and relief of low back pain during pregnancy. 29 The extra pounds greatly strain lower back muscles. Wearing a pregnancy belt alleviates direct stress on the back by structurally mitigating the way weight is carried. A woman’s abdominal muscles are also compromised during the course of pregnancy.   Not only does a maternity support belt protect the lower back from strain, but it also functions to compress the lower abdomen, protecting abdominal muscles from unhealthy stretching and tearing. In testing it has shown significant reduction in mean pain scores and effect of pain on daily activities, including family, house and yard, recreational, exercise, and sleep. Interaction of group by time was significant for change in pain and effect on family, house and yard, and exercise activities. 30 In preventing pain and muscle strain by deflecting the pressure of pregnancy, a maternity support girdle sets up new mothers for a speedy post-partum recovery. Through the benefits of compression, wearing a pregnancy belt post-delivery can heal overworked muscles, and help your body bounce back into shape sooner.

The Trochanteric Belt back

The trochanteric belt is usually prescribed for sacroiliac and/or symphysis pubis pain. The pelvic belt fastens around the pelvic ring; the positioning could alter slightly for an individual. The use of a pelvic belt reduces the ability of the pelvic bones of an individual to be pushed outwardly from each other during movement, the passive support mechanism of the pelvic belt can be effective in reducing the range of pelvic back and forth rhythms.

Girdle back

Back in the 60's wearing girdles was common but over time this fashion faded out. If you have back and/or pelvic pain consider wearing a girdle during the pregnancy and after the baby is born. There are many various types of girdles; some more expensive than others. It's a matter of finding which ones feel the most supportive and comfortable. You can wear more than one at a time, again, for your own comfort.

Ways to Wear Supportive Garments back

You can wear several layers of garments, it's a matter of finding what combination offers you the most support. Start with light-weight, waist height underpants, then a panty girdle or long legged panty girdle (retail or custom made). Over this you can add a pelvic pelt. In the cold weather thermal underwear can be worm as well. The idea is to provide many layers because air trapped between layers maintains warmth. To offer even more warmth wear a singlet to keep the back, hip and pelvic girdle muscles warm. It could be a possibility that the pelvic belt and support garments could become habit forming; thinking that without the added support the pelvis could give way even when the signs and symptoms are no longer present. Furthermore, it maybe is more beneficial in the long term for women to use their muscles to provide stability to the pelvis rather than to rely on external devices.   For those who find the girdles/belts rub the skin too much, wear comfortable full size underpants (briefs). Use a soft, elastic, permeable tape on the irritated areas (e.g. Mefix). A folded handkerchief or tissue on the irritated areas. Lightweight body shaper can be worn under the more supported girdles/belt.

For more on where to find girdles and pelvic belts go to finding help.

Ankle-Lumbopelvic Biomechanics back

A balanced foundation of the foot promotes structural integrity that protects the spine from destructive turning and twisting, bending and shearing stresses. Muscle fatigue brought on by postural instability can manifest as pain in the low back, pelvis and sacroiliac joints. When the arch rolls inwardly (pronates), the tibia twists, the knee strains, the femur rotates, the pelvis tilts forward, and the curves of the spine are affected. The inward tilting of the foot brings the greater trochanter forward and outward, chronically stretching the piriformis muscle. With the sacrum thus drawn into an anteroinferior position, the vertebral body of L5 gravitates and rotates causing the pelvis to become unlevelled.   Pelvic unleveling can be caused by either functional or anatomical discrepancies distal or proximal to the pelvis, and sometimes within the pelvis itself. Common complaints are of aching or radiating pains in and around the pelvic region, while standing or with activity.

Footwear back

FOOT ORTHOTIC (Innersole) back

A fully modelled foot orthotic (innersole) supports and corrects an abnormal, or irregular, walking pattern. They make standing and walking more comfortable and efficient, by altering slightly the angles at which the foot strikes a walking surface. Foot orthotics are known to solve a number of biomechanical problems including conditions of the pelvic, hip, knees and back pain.

HEEL SUPPORT back

A soft density moulded silicone gel heel cup is another option to providing skeletal shock and  vibration and reduction upon heel strike by absorbing the impact at heel strike provide less dynamic stress though the hips, pelvis and lower back.

Shoes and Socks back

Keep to shoes the have cushioned soles. Avoid platforms. Avoid shoes that are heavy, a running shoe is one option. Wearing a laced-up shoe is preferable. Avoid going barefoot. Avoid high heels; it changes the tilt of your pelvis. If using orthotics you might need to remove the innersole within the shoe. Avoid shoes that have a high inner sole unless you require it for inner sole support. Wear cushioned socks; usually they are sport type socks.

Training shoes back

Training shoes can lose about 20% of cushioning after the first 10 miles of use. After about 6 months or 500 miles the shoes have all but lost the ability cushion and control the planting of the foot. The fabric also loses it strength leading to the foot moving within the trainer. Due to this, you should consider renewing trainers around 6 months or 500 miles depending which is first. Older trainers as old as 6 months can have a diminished ability to shock absorb.