Use of pelvic tilt exercise for ligament pain relief.

The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of a pelvic (hip) tilt exercise in relieving ligament pain during pregnancy. A multiple 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 initiated. Verbal reports from subjects indicated that they had received effective pain relief from the exercise. Thus, pelvic (hip) tilt exercise appears to be effective in reducing ligament pain intensity and, to a lesser extent, pain duration. As a nurse-midwifery strategy, this exercise promotes patient/client comfort and facilitates self-care in the relief of ligament pain during pregnancy.