Lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy is a common problem. Alternative methods of treating the pain may include stretching and other exercise. Researchers from the UNICAMP School of Medicine in Sao Paulo completed a randomized trial comparing effectiveness of Hatha yoga and postural orientation. Both groups actively participated in their particular group for 10 weeks.
Pain was measured using a visual analog scale. Measurements were taken for both groups prior to starting pain reduction methods and after 10 weeks. Patients in the Hatha yoga group measured a lower median pain score than the postural orientation group. Testing also showed decreased body response to postural techniques as the study progressed, while the impact of Hatha yoga increased over the course of 10 weeks.
Conclusion: Hatha yoga was more effective at reducing lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy than postural orientation.
Source: Martins RF, Pinto E Silva JL. Treatment of Pregnancy-Related Lumbar and Pelvic Girdle Pain by the Yoga Method: A Randomized Controlled Study. J Altern Complement Med. 2013 Mar 18.