What is osteitis pubis?

Osteitis pubis is an inflammation of the pubic symphysis and surrounding muscle insertions. The pubic symphysis is the cartilaginous joint that sits between the pubic bones. It is located in front of and below the urinary bladder. Osteitis pubis or OP as it is commonly known may also occur as an inflammatory process in athletes.

How do I know if I have OP : Signs and symptoms

The presenting symptoms of osteitis pubis can be almost any complaint about the groin or lower abdomen. Common complaints include the following:

• Pain localized over the pubic joint and radiating outward
• Adductor pain or lower abdominal pain that then localizes to the pubic area (often unilaterally)
• Pain exacerbated by activities such as running, pivoting on 1 leg, kicking, or pushing off to change direction, as well as by lying on the side
• Pain occurring with walking, climbing stairs, coughing, or sneezing
• A sensation of clicking or popping upon rising from a seated position, turning over in bed, or walking on uneven ground
• Weakness and difficulty walking or moving about

Physical findings for osteitis pubis can vary greatly. Such findings may include the following:

• Tenderness in the area
• pain over one or both sacroiliac joints, often in conjunction with spasm and resultant sciatic-type pain

Working with your medical practitioner is essential for diagnosis and recovery techniques. Your physiotherapist or chiropractor may do some tests to help diagnose osteitis pubis ( OP )

The most specific test for osteitis pubis is a direct-pressure spring test, performed as follows:

• Palpation of the athlete’s pubic bone directly over the pubic symphysis; tenderness to touch is often noted at that point
• Placing fingertips a few centimetres laterally to each side, and apply direct pressure on the pubic rami; with this pressure, the patient feels pain in the symphysis
• applying pressure equally to either side of the area to see if one side or the other produces more pain or lateral pain

The examination may also include the following as appropriate:

• Checking for inguinal hernia
• Assessment of muscle weakness, especially in hip adductors or flexors
• Gait assessment

 what do I do if I have OP ?

Treatment

Rest and time are the primary healing mechanisms. If you have the time to rest then this is the best thing for you. However ,most of us don’t want to or don’t have the time to rest and if you are an elite athlete or a weekend warrior that needs to get back on the field this is not an option.

 Physical therapy (PT) may be useful during the early stage and has the following goals:

• To help alleviate pain
• To start correcting the mechanical problems that precipitated the injury

Elements of therapy may include the following:

• Heat or ice may provide symptomatic relief
• Progressive movement with the aid of an assistive device and possible orthoses -this is where Supacore CORETECH™ can help. The patented medical grade compression is specifically engineered to mimic the core and act as an aid in rehabilitation.
• Avoidance of any exercise that may place stress on the pelvic ring
• Dynamic stabilization techniques
• Manipulation
• Ultrasound and electrical stimulation

Once the patient is free of pain, strengthening therapy can begin. Supacore Coretech shorts and leggings can help relieve the pain and help you in your rehabilitation. The CORETECH™ Shorts and leggings have been engineered and body mapped via the inbuilt sacroiliac belt to replicate the body’s own deep stability system by providing optimal placement of external compressive forces throughout the pelvis and core. These compressive forces help stabilize the core which in turn helps relieve pain. Further PT measures may include the following:

• Exercises for the hip flexors, hip adductors, lumbar stabilizers, and abdominal muscles
• Hamstring and quadriceps exercises
• Stretching (daily or more often)
• Aquatic conditioning (except frog kicking)
• Stair-stepping machines (as tolerated)
• Sports-specific activities, with offending motions added last
• Manipulation

Pharmacologic therapy may include the following:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Steroids (oral or injected)

Surgery is rarely warranted for osteitis pubis and is generally reserved for failure of conservative management.

 Supacore recommends consulting a physical therapist, your physiotherapist or doctor for a diagnosis before embarking on any treatment .

Are you in pain from your OP ?

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