What is a Pelvic stress fracture?
A Pelvic stress fracture is a hairline crack into the bony plates of the pelvis that results from excessive use. Repetitive small impact forces over long periods, with insufficient healing time between exertions, can cause damage that accumulates until a fracture occurs. This method of injury differs from the conventional idea of a fracture caused by a single traumatic impact, typically during a fall, sports participation or a car accident.
What causes a Pelvic stress fracture?
Pelvic stress fractures most frequently occur in the lower sections of the Pelvis, around the Pubic Symphysis and the Pubic Rami. The large muscles of the Hamstrings and groin connect to these points of the Pelvis, putting them under strain during intense activity. It is through this repetitive strain, with insufficient rest, that stress fractures can occur.
Above: Your physiotherapists may require you to spend some time using a walking aid if they suspect you are suffering with a stress fracture.Due to the reduction in bone density that occurs over the age of 30, Pelvic stress fractures are more common amongst women. Individuals whom run a lot are at greater risk of developing a stress fracture due to the repetitive forces experienced. Military personnel, especially new recruits, are particularly affected as they run in boots which offer poor shock absorption whilst carrying heavy packs. Sudden changes or to your training routine or starting a new sport without acclimatising can also lead to stress fractures.
What are the symptoms of a Pelvic stress fracture?
The symptoms of a Pelvic stress fracture will vary depending on the severity of the fracture and its location. Symptoms of Pelvic Stress fracture may include;
- Pain or dull ache, deep in the pelvic region.
- Sharp pain, when performing aggravating actions like standing, walking or running.
- Tenderness in the soft tissues over the site of fracture.
- Pain may refer throughout the hip and groin or down the thighs to the knee.
- Sensation of weakness in lower limbs.
How is a Pelvic stress fracture Diagnosed?
A doctor or physiotherapist can assess you for a suspected Pelvic stress fracture. A details subjective history would be taken to establish your lifestyle and circumstances leading up to your symptoms developing. Then a thorough physical examination would confirm the presence of symptoms and rule out other conditions. You will likely be referred for an x-ray or MRI to confirm the location and severity of the fracture.
Above: Stress fractures can progress if not treated and can be extremely uncomfortable.To book yourself an appointment or for more information about how physiotherapy can treat Pelvic stress fractures, please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or ring us on 0151 558 0077.
What would a physiotherapy assessment for a Pelvic stress fracture involve?
At Liverpool Physio, we want to gain as much information as possible about your condition to ensure we give you the best treatment. In your first appointment with us, our physiotherapists will carry out an assessment which has two parts:
Subjective
A discussion between you and our physiotherapist to find out the cause of your injury and what symptoms you are experiencing, and how your injury is affecting you and your lifestyle.
Objective
An assessment of your range of pain, range of movement, and a series of special tests to identify the presence of the Pelvic Stress Fractures.
What would Physiotherapy Treatment for a Pelvic stress fracture involve?
Like any other fracture, the initial treatment involves resting the affected structures to allow the bone to begin healing. As the Pelvis is deep in muscle tissue and hard to isolate from movement or pressure, activity modification advice will be given to limit stress to the bones during recovery. Other treatments for Pelvic stress fracture may include;
- Heat treatments to alleviate pain and stiffness.
- Soft tissue massage to reduce pain and stretch tight muscles.
- Mobilisation exercises to maintain range of movement and flexibility.
- Gentle progressive strengthening exercises to improve pelvic joint stability.
- Gait re-education to correct any biomechanical abnormalities that may have arisen whilst trying to compensate for pain or weakness in the pelvis
- Personalised rehabilitation program, with targeted functional exercises to return you to normal daily activities and sports participation.
With more severe fractures surgery may be necessary to help fix the displaced bones back into their correct position before healing can begin. The use of mobility aids may be advised to improve stability during the early stages of healing. Throughout the healing process physiotherapy can help you achieve the best possible functional recovery in the quickest possible time.
If you would like more information on how physiotherapy can treat pelvic stress fractures, or to book an appointment, please email
office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk
or ring us on
0151 558 0077
.
How can I arrange a physiotherapy assessment for a Pelvic stress fracture?
If you are experiencing pain, aching or stiffness in your pelvic area that is worse when standing and moving, you may have a Pelvic stress fracture and would benefit from an assessment form one of our experienced physiotherapists.
You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment and we can advise you if further treatment is recommended, or give you details on self-management for minor cases. To arrange an appointment please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077 .
Summary
Pelvic stress fractures can be uncomfortable, sometimes very painful. The onset is usually gradual but the building pain can eventually inhibit all normal activity. With little but painful symptoms and muscles weakness to guide you it is difficult to know how severe a fracture is. Which is why it is important to seek medical attention for a diagnosis as early as possible, to prevent further injury to the bone and surrounding tissues. Your Physiotherapist can work with you to reduce painful symptoms and ensure to achieve the best possible functional recovery.
If you would like more information on how physiotherapy can treat pelvic stress fractures, or to book an appointment, please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or ring us on 0151 558 0077 .
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