Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences - Department of Laser Application in Medical and Biological

Purpose: Postnatal Pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) is common complaint in pregnant women{u2019}s all over the world and it has a major impact on health and functioning as reduce quality of life. PGP commonly arises in relative with pregnancy, trauma and reactive arthritis. The start of PGP is typically by weeks 17{u2013}19 of gestation, with a peak of occurrence by weeks 24{u2013} 36 Postpartum follow-up studies have shown that 5{u2013} 27% of the women{u2019}s had persisting pain 1{u2013}3 months after delivery. Nevertheless, it was account that 7% have residual pain 6 years after delivery causing severe discomfort and reduced ability to work.Methods: ninety postnatal women{u2019}s were randomly classified into three groups, Group (A): 30 women{u2019}s were treated with pelvic Stabilization exercises. Group (B): 30 women{u2019}s were treated with low-level laser therapy only and group (C): 30 women{u2019}s were treated with pelvic Stabilization exercises and low-level laser therapy.Treatment period was 12 sessions over six week's period two sessions per week. Visual analogue scale, serum cortisol level, pelvic girdle pain questionnaire, Faber test and P4 test were measured and compared at 0 and 6 weeks after the treatment in the three groups. Results: All groups showed significant improvement from pre-tests to post- tests score on both outcome measures of VAS, PGQ, SCL, Faber test and PPPPT. p= 0001. A statistical significant difference between groups A, B and C was noted in VAS, SCL and PGQ. Significant improvements were noted in group(C) in VAS, SCL and PGQ with respect to all outcome parameters.These data support the findings that when patients are unable to exercise, a mixture with LLLT and PSE is an appropriate alternative for pain reduction and increased daily function for individuals suffering from postpartum pelvic girdle pain

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