Muscle Energy Techniques for Pelvic Pain

(PMEOMT Trial)

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: The Touro College and University System

Disqualifiers: Acute pelvic pain, Pregnancy, Pelvic trauma, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 30 minutes per session

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the effectiveness of a specific pelvic muscle energy technique in treating pelvic pain compared to the usual full-length osteopathic treatment. The researchers aim to determine if one simple technique can address all problems linked to pelvic somatic dysfunctions (issues with the body's structure). Participants will use their muscles in specific ways while a physician applies a counterforce, repeating this process to see if it reduces tension. The trial seeks first- or second-year osteopathic medical students with pelvic somatic dysfunction who are not experiencing severe pain or other major issues. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could simplify treatment for pelvic somatic dysfunctions.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to consult with the trial coordinators for guidance.

What prior data suggests that this technique is safe for treating pelvic pain?

Research has shown that Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is generally easy for people to handle. Studies have found it can significantly improve pelvic alignment and help reduce pain. For instance, one study discovered that MET lessened severe pain in individuals with lower back and pelvic pain within a day. Another study showed that MET slightly reduced pain and improved movement for those with long-term lower back pain.

Few reports of negative side effects suggest that MET is a safe choice for people with pelvic pain. Although MET is not new, it is important to consult a doctor before joining a trial to ensure it is suitable. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Muscle Energy Techniques for pelvic pain because these methods offer a unique, hands-on approach that differs from standard treatments like medication or surgery. Unlike typical options that might involve painkillers or invasive procedures, Muscle Energy Techniques use specific muscle movements to realign the pelvis and alleviate discomfort. This technique can be tailored to treat either both sides of the pelvis or just one side, offering flexibility based on a patient's specific needs. By focusing on correcting somatic dysfunctions through muscle engagement, this approach has the potential to provide relief without the side effects or recovery time associated with more conventional treatments.

What evidence suggests that this trial's techniques could be effective for pelvic pain?

This trial will compare two different applications of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) for pelvic pain. Research has shown that MET can improve pelvic alignment and reduce pain and fatigue in individuals with lower back pain. One study found that MET significantly reduced pain and improved mobility. Another study demonstrated that MET quickly alleviated pain for women with pelvic girdle pain. MET uses specific muscle contractions to stretch tight muscles and enhance joint movement. Overall, MET effectively reduces pain and improves physical function. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for first and second-year osteopathic medical students who have pelvic somatic dysfunction but not acute severe pain, pregnancy, a history of pelvic trauma or surgery, or current treatment for pelvic dysfunction outside the study.

Inclusion Criteria

Current osteopathic medical students in their first and second year

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently getting treatment for pelvic issues not related to this study.

I am experiencing severe pain in my lower abdomen.

I have had surgery or injury to my pelvic area.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive muscle energy techniques targeting pelvic somatic dysfunctions, involving positioning, muscle contraction, and counterforce application.

30 minutes per session

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Muscle Energy Technique

Trial Overview The study compares two approaches to treating pelvic pain: one group receives a single muscle energy technique while another undergoes traditional full-length osteopathic treatment. The effectiveness in correcting all pelvic somatic dysfunctions will be evaluated.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Pelvic Muscle Energy - One sided Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Receives pubic abduction/adduction somatic dysfunction combinations one sided

Group II: Pelvic Muscle Energy - two sided Active Control 1 Intervention

Receives pubic abduction/adduction somatic dysfunction combinations two sided

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

The Touro College and University System

Lead Sponsor

Trials

9

Recruited

870+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10778948/

The Immediate Effects of Muscle Energy Technique in ... The study found that MET effectively improved pelvic alignment, LLD, pain, and fatigue in CLBP patients with LLD, while the control group, which ...

2. bfpt.springeropen.com bfpt.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43161-023-00135-w

Effectiveness of muscle energy technique on pain intensity ... MET was found to significantly, although modestly, decrease the severity of pain and reduce functional disability in patients with chronic LBP.

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1360859222001589

Comparison of muscle energy technique and mobilization ... This study concluded that both Muscle Energy Technique and Mobilization with Movement techniques are effective in reducing pain and improving functional ability

4. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30209851/

Does muscle energy technique have an immediate benefit ... This study aimed to determine the immediate effectiveness of a MET in the management of pain in women with PPGP within a single session of physiotherapy.

5. physio-pedia.com physio-pedia.com/Pelvic_Girdle_Dysfunction_Interventions:_Muscle_Energy_Technique

Pelvic Girdle Dysfunction Interventions: Muscle Energy ... Muscle energy techniques are used to treat soft tissue, mobilise joints, stretch tight muscles and fascia, reduce pain and improve circulation and lymphatic ...

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05429957

Effects of Muscle Energy Technique Versus Aerobic ... The aim of study is to find out the effects of muscle energy technique versus aerobic exercises on pain and disability in patients with chronic pelvic pain.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7904479/

Comparing the Effectiveness of the Muscle Energy ... Although MET can be an effective treatment for SIJD, several studies have reported that KT alone does not have much effect on SIJ pain. Hence, the present study ...

8. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-pelvic-somatic-dysfunction-2-2024-3fea8

Muscle Energy Techniques for Pelvic Pain (PMEOMT Trial) A study showed that MET reduced worst pain levels in individuals with lumbopelvic pain within 24 hours, indicating its potential usefulness for managing pain.