Effect of osteopathic correction on strengthening of the perineal muscles in the postpartum rehabilitation period

Abstract

Introduction. The effect of the osteopathic treatment in the postpartum period has not been adequately studied in Western countries. The most part of the studies are focused on postpartum pain, whereas there is not enough information on the effect of osteopathic treatment on the recovery of perineal muscles.Goal of research - to study the effect of osteopathic treatment in combination with physical therapy on the recovery of the perineal muscle system in women in the postpartum period. Materials and methods. The study examined 38 women (mean age 30±5 years old) who underwent therapy in order to restore the perineal muscular system in the postpartum period. They were divided into two groups. Patients of the focus group received therapy in combination with the osteopathic correction. Women of the second group received therapy in combination with the imitation of manual treatment. Results. The data analysis shows a signifi cant difference in the results of testing of the perineal muscle strength in patients of both groups by the end of the treatment: from 24,51±18,55 to 148,21±127,51 in the focus group, and from 29,32±20,32 to 94,22±78,51 in the control group. The intensity and the duration of the perineal muscle contraction did not differ signifi cantly by the end of the treatment in both groups.Conclusion. Osteopathic treatment in combination with the rehabilitation therapy of the perineum signifi cantly improves the muscle tone and promotes the restitution of the perineal muscle quality in the postpartum period in comparison with classical treatment.