Supporting Women with SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) Using Reformer Pilates

PhysioMatters
Jul 28, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Jul 31, 2025

Many women experience discomfort at the front of the pelvis during pregnancy, known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD).

Prenatal Reformer Pilates, when guided by a Physiotherapist, offers a way to move with more ease and confidence, supporting pelvic control, posture, and coordination.

What Is SPD?

SPD refers to discomfort around the pubic symphysis, the joint at the front of the pelvis. It can occur during everyday activities such as:

Walking or climbing stairs
Turning in bed
Standing on one leg

These experiences often reflect:

Hormonal influence on joint mobility
Shifts in how muscles share load around the pelvis
Adjustments in posture and load distribution

Movement remains an important part of managing these adaptations with the right support.

Why Reformer Pilates Is Supportive

With adjustable springs, props, and guided feedback, Reformer Pilates helps:

✔️ Reinforce pelvic and lower-limb coordination

✔️ Encourage balance and even load distribution

✔️ Strengthen core, gluteal, and inner thigh muscles

✔️ Provide customisable positioning for comfort

The aim is confident, balanced movement, not avoidance.

Reformer Pilates Approaches for SPD

A Physiotherapist may include:

✔️ Gluteal and hip-focused footwork Builds strength and coordination to support walking and standing.

✔️ Side-lying hip work Supports pelvic stability during single-leg or rotational movements.

✔️ Inner thigh engagement Promotes midline control for rolling, lifting, and functional transitions.

✔️ Supported pelvic lifts Develops posterior strength with controlled load-sharing across the pelvis.

These movements are chosen and adjusted based on your individual comfort, responses, and stage of pregnancy.

What the Research Shows?

A prospective, randomised controlled trial found that Pilates-based therapeutic exercise significantly reduced pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain, improving function and quality of life (Yıldırım et al., 2020).

Final Takeaway

SPD is a natural adaptation for many during pregnancy and staying active, with the right support, can be both comfortable and empowering.

At PhysioMatters, our physiotherapists use Clinical Pilates to guide you through safe, individualised movement that supports your pelvic health and overall well-being.

Book your prenatal session today and explore how supportive movement can help you feel strong, stable, and prepared throughout pregnancy and beyond.

Cheers

Danielle, Xan, Claire - Physiomatters