USE OF PELVIC TILT EXERCISE FOR LIGAMENT PAIN RELIEF

The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of a pelvic (h ip) tilt exercise in relieving ligament pain during pregnancy. A multi ple pain measurement approach was used. The intensity of ligament pain was decreased as indicated by scores on three of four pain intensity measures. The duration of ligament pain also was reduced, although not significantly. Mean scores on all measures of ligament pain intensity , duration, and frequency were lower after the exercises were initiate d. Verbal reports from subjects indicated that they had received effec tive pain relief from the exercise. Thus, pelvic (hip) tilt exercise a ppears to be effective in reducing ligament pain intensity and, to a l esser extent, pain duration. As a nurse-midwifery strategy, this exerc ise promotes patient/client comfort and facilitates self-care in the r elief of ligament pain during pregnancy.