Women’s experiences of physiotherapy for pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain in primary care: a qualitative study at four months postpartum

Objectives To explore women’s lived experiences of physiotherapy for pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP), including how the care received corresponded to their needs and expectations. Design Qualitative study using an inductive phenomenological approach. Individual semi-structured interviews were analysed using Giorgi’s Descriptive Phenomenological Psychological Method. Setting Primary care physiotherapy clinic in Gothenburg, Sweden. Participants 10 women who had received physiotherapy for clinically verified PPGP were interviewed between March 2022 and September 2023. Participants were recruited from a primary care physiotherapy clinic and interviews were conducted by telephone or videoconference. Results Women’s experiences of physiotherapy extended beyond symptom management and encompassed validation, reassurance and support in navigating the healthcare system. Three interrelated themes were identified: On the threshold to physiotherapy , describing how pain, reduced functioning, uncertainty about symptom legitimacy and social support influenced care-seeking; A positive and reassuring encounter , highlighting the importance of being listened to, receiving individualised advice and meeting a physiotherapist with expertise in PPGP; and Need for proactive and collaborative maternity care , emphasising the value of early information, timely access to physiotherapy, improved collaboration between midwives and physiotherapists and more flexible care pathways. Even when symptom relief was limited, participants considered individualised guidance, reassurance and validation meaningful outcomes of care. Conclusions Women experienced tailored physiotherapy for PPGP as meaningful and reassuring. Their experiences of seeking physiotherapy were shaped by access to information, social support and guidance within the maternity healthcare system. Early information about PPGP, timely access to physiotherapy and continuity of care was described as important aspects of care, suggesting that these areas could be considered when developing care for women with PPGP.