– I found that there wasn’t an awful lot of help to be had. Renate Tonstad Flaten is in her twelfth year of constant pelvic joint pain. – On a pain scale of up to ten, I am at a constant five. It increases the more I move. It started in the fourth month of her first pregnancy. The pain gradually left her unable to function on a daily basis and became even worse after child number two. – When I walked 500 meters I was done. I was locked in my own home. Renate shows an illustration of the pelvis, where the red fields indicate pain points. Photo: Mari Kaslegard / news In frustration at the lack of aids, she went to the fabric store and bought material to sew her own equipment. The result was a belt that puts pressure on and stabilizes the pelvis. – The first time I tested it, I was suddenly able to run for the first time in eight years. Afterwards I stood and cried. The pelvic belt puts pressure on and stabilizes the most effective points. Photo: Mari Kaslegard / news Now she could be in motion, take part in things and be present for the family. – Going from being very active to not being able to use the body as before can break the psyche of many people. Lack of knowledge Physiotherapist and researcher at Oslo University Hospital, Britt Stuge, says that half of all pregnant women experience moderate back and pelvic joint pain, and approximately 20 per cent to such an extent that they may need guidance or treatment. Between 3 and 7 percent experience persistent pain after childbirth. – The pain is often downplayed or the women are given unfortunate advice. Physiotherapist and researcher at Oslo University Hospital, Britt Stuge, believes that there is both a lack of knowledge about pelvic joint pain. Photo: Oslo University Hospital Stuge emphasizes that most people can get well again, with the right treatment. According to her, there have been different types of pelvic girdle throughout her time as a physiotherapist. – Unfortunately, not many of them have been that good, especially not those on the Norwegian market. Furthermore, there has not been much interest among healthcare personnel. – General practitioners should have more knowledge about this, as they are the ones who meet the women first and can refer to further help. Broad and specific expertise Kari Løvendal Mogstad is head of the specialist group for pregnancy and children’s health in the Norwegian Association for General Medicine. She believes that women with pelvic joint pain deserve to be taken seriously. – I think that most doctors show an interest in pelvic joint pain, even if they do not have in-depth knowledge of the condition. Mogstad in the Norwegian Association for General Medicine Photo: Cathrine Dillner Hagen Mogstad says that GPs are often blamed for not having enough expertise in specific conditions. – For those who work in a few specific fields, it is easy to forget that GPs must know quite a lot, if not everything. Mogstad believes that the most important thing is that patients are referred to knowledgeable physiotherapists. She says there is still a lot we don’t know about pelvic joint pain. – That is why it is good that it is being talked about. As doctors, I would like more knowledge about this welcome. Willing to contribute Førebels pelvic belt is only a prototype for a product Renate Tonstad Flaten hopes can become available to more people. – It is a product of frustration that has been developed due to a shortage out there. I don’t want to look for an opening in the market, but cover the need that is already there. Renate felt the importance of being able to use her body when she finally found something that helped with the pain: her home-made pelvic belt. Photo: Mari Kaslegard / news She points to a growing focus on women’s health and social responsibility. – My goal is not necessarily to sell, but I want to contribute. When I can add the ones I need, I will go out and inform about pelvic joint pain. The motto is to get women back into everyday life. Published 07/08/2024, at 16.36
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Wants knowledge and help for those with pelvic joint pain – news Buskerud – Local news, TV and radio
