Pregnancy and Low back/Pelvic pain
Low back and pelvic pain are common complaints during pregnancy; the prevalence of low back pain in pregnancy is estimated at approximately 40-50% and low back pain in postpartum women between 28-68% in the first year after delivery (Franke, Franke, Belz & Fryer, 2017).
Osteopathy is a manual therapy commonly used by women to reduce musculoskeletal complaints that may arise throughout pregnancy, particularly low back and pelvic pain (Franke et al., 2017). For example, the promote study conducted by Hensel, Buchanan, Brown, Rodriguez & Cruser (2015) evaluated the efficacy of OMT to reduce lower back pain during the third trimester of pregnancy. The trial concluded that OMT was effective in moderating pain and functional deterioration compared to usual care only.
The most recent systematic review by Franke et al. (2017) looked at randomised controlled trials of OMT for low back and pelvic girdle pain in pregnant and postpartum women. Patients reported significant effects on decreasing pain and increasing functional status, with no serious adverse effects noted. The review indicates moderate-quality evidence that OMT may provide clinically relevant benefits for women during pregnancy and postpartum women.
Sheraton, Streckfuss & Grace (2018) study explored the experiences of women who experienced OMT both during pregnancy and in the post-natal period, their findings reported that OMT was beneficial not only to physical health but also mental health.
References:
Franke, H., Franke, J., Belz, S., & Fryer, G. (2017). Osteopathic manipulative treatment for low back and pelvic girdle pain during and after pregnancy: A systematic review and meta- analysis. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, 21(4), 752–762. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.05.014
Hensel, K. L., Buchanan, S., Brown, S. K., Rodriguez, M., & Cruser, des A. (2015). Pregnancy research on osteopathic manipulation optimizing treatment effects: the PROMOTE study. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 212(1), 108.e1-108.e9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2014.07.043
Sheraton, A., Streckfuss, J., & Grace, S. (2018). Experiences of pregnant women receiving osteopathic care. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, 22(2), 321–327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.09.007
