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Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 14 weeks

105 Participants Needed

Manual Physical Therapy for Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Pain

Overseen ByWendy E Huddleston, PT, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Disqualifiers: Planned c-section, <18 years, others

No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy on delivery and the impact on the woman's body and function. Currently there have not been any studies to our knowledge that have examined this relationship and the outcomes for the pregnant patient. The current research that is available is on pelvic floor training and perineal massage during pregnancy with positive outcomes. The questions we are looking to answer include: 1. Does pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy decrease the severity of perineal trauma during delivery? 2. Does pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy decrease the length of the second stage of labor (pushing)? 3. Does pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy decrease the occurrence of emergency C-section?

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Manual Physical Therapy for pregnancy-related pelvic pain?

Research shows that manual therapy, a hands-on treatment, can help relieve pelvic pain by affecting the nervous system rather than just the joints. This approach, along with understanding patient expectations and building a good therapist-patient relationship, can enhance pain relief.¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵

Is manual physical therapy safe for pregnancy-related pelvic pain?

Manual physical therapy, including osteopathic manipulative treatment, appears to be safe for managing pelvic and spinal pain in pregnant women, according to a review of available literature.¹ ² ³ ⁶ ⁷

How does manual physical therapy differ from other treatments for pregnancy-related pelvic pain?

Manual physical therapy is unique because it involves hands-on techniques to mobilize soft tissues, reduce pain, and improve function, which can be tailored to the specific needs of pregnant women. Unlike some other treatments, it focuses on physical manipulation and exercises rather than medication, making it a noninvasive option for managing pelvic pain during pregnancy.¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁸

Research Team

Brenda Heinecke, DPT

Principal Investigator

Revitalize Physical Therapy

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for pregnant women between 28-34 weeks gestation who are planning a vaginal delivery. It's not for those under 18, over 34 weeks pregnant, planning a c-section, or on pelvic rest.

Inclusion Criteria

28-34 weeks gestation at the start of treatment

Pregnant women (any pregnancy, first or subsequent) planning for a vaginal delivery

Exclusion Criteria

>34 weeks gestation

Women on pelvic rest

Planned c-section

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Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive pelvic floor physical therapy including myofascial release, stretching, and exercises during pregnancy

14 weeks

Regular visits for therapy sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for postpartum recovery, including assessments of perineal trauma and pain

7 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

Manual Physical Therapy

Trial OverviewThe study tests if manual physical therapy during pregnancy can reduce perineal trauma at birth, shorten the second stage of labor (pushing), and decrease emergency C-section rates.

Participant Groups

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Pregnant womenExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Physical assessment for women 20-34 weeks gestation including evaluating pain, back and hip range of motion, strength of hip and abdominal muscles, diastasis recti, and strength, amount of scar tissue from previous pregnancies / deliveries, level of muscle overactivity, and the extent of any prolapse of pelvic floor muscles. Treatment: internal and external myofascial release of the pelvic floor muscles, pelvic floor stretching, and instruction diaphragmatic breathing and exercises for postpartum recovery to perform at home. Exercises include: Pelvic floor stretching: happy baby stretch, deep squat, butterfly stretch; Belly breathing; transverse abdominis contraction, transverse abdominis march, bridge, shoulder blade; Instruction and education on perineal massage and posture.

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Lead Sponsor

Trials

Recruited

6,200+

Revitalize Physical Therapy

Collaborator

Trials

Recruited

110+

Findings from Research

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is effective and safe for managing back and pelvic pain in pregnant women, addressing common issues like ligament and joint impairments.

The review analyzed literature from MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library, confirming the efficacy of OMT procedures specifically for lumbosacral pain during pregnancy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Application of osteopathic manipulative technique in the treatment of back pain during pregnancy.Majchrzycki, M., Wolski, H., Seremak-Mrozikiewicz, A., et al.[2019]