Osteopathy can be a supportive complementary treatment option for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Osteopaths use a holistic approach, focusing on the body's structure, alignment, and how its mechanics relate to function, which can potentially help manage symptoms of POP. Here’s how osteopathy can be beneficial:
1. Posture and Movement
Osteopaths assess body alignment, looking for imbalances that may increase downward pressure on the pelvic floor. Did you know an increased thoracic kyphosis (think rounded middle to upper back) can increase your chance of developing POP? Techniques to improve posture and movement efficiency can help reduce strain on pelvic organs, which may relieve pressure and discomfort associated with prolapse.
Gentle internal and external techniques to treat the pelvis, spine, and lower back can relieve stress on the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments.
Making sure you have good foot and ankle mobility and stability in order to adequately absorb pressure that is transmitted further up the body and making good shoe choices.
2. Soft Tissue Release Techniques
Osteopathic treatment often includes soft tissue work to relieve tension and improve circulation around the pelvis, abdomen, and lower back. This can help alleviate discomfort in the surrounding areas, like the hips and lower back, which are often affected by POP.
Techniques such as myofascial release and visceral mobilisation can improve mobility, flexibility and extensibility in pelvic tissues, which may reduce symptoms like pain, heaviness, and pressure.
3. Diaphragmatic Breathing and Core Stability
Osteopaths often incorporate breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, to reduce abdominal pressure on the pelvic organs. Deep breathing can also improve core stability, which is vital for pelvic support.
Working on core muscle control and coordination, including the diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles, can enhance pelvic floor function, helping to counteract the effects of prolapse.
4. Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage
Osteopathic techniques that promote circulation and lymphatic drainage can reduce swelling and inflammation in the pelvic area. This helps tissues remain healthy, which may ease discomfort and reduce the sensation of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic region.
5. Education and Lifestyle Advice
Advice on daily habits and lifestyle modifications to prevent exacerbation of prolapse symptoms. This could include guidance on safe lifting, managing constipation, and using the correct posture during physical activities to reduce strain on the pelvic floor. Utilising the 'recovery position' - if feeling heaviness or dragging laying down with your legs up to help alleviate pressure of your pelvis and pelvic floor.
6. Stress Reduction
Managing or improving stress resilience is essential, because stress can exacerbate symptoms of prolapse. Some techniques may help to downregulate the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and improve stress resilience.
Other considerations to include in your treatment:
1. Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT)
Pelvic Floor Exercises: PF exercises target the pelvic floor muscles and involve contracting and relaxing these muscles. This improves strength, endurance, and coordination to better support the pelvic organs.
Biofeedback: This technique uses devices to provide visual or auditory feedback as you contract and relax the pelvic muscles, helping you ensure you’re targeting the right muscles and improving effectiveness.
Electrical Stimulation: In cases where muscle strength is very low, gentle electrical stimulation can help activate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Please note this is not something we utilise in clinc.
2. Lifestyle and Habit Modifications
Addressing factors that increase abdominal pressure, like heavy lifting, constipation, chronic coughing, or high-impact exercise, can help manage POP symptoms. We often guide patients on safe lifting techniques, prevent bearing down and avoiding habits that worsen the prolapse.
5. Behavioural Strategies
Bladder and bowel retraining programs can address incontinence issues related to POP. This may include timed voiding and strategies to prevent frequent bathroom trips or urgency issues.
6. Education on Pelvic Support Devices
Some women benefit from a pessary, a device inserted into the vagina to support pelvic organs. A pessary trained pelvic health physiotherapist can provide guidance on pessary use and assess if it might benefit your condition. If we deem you may benefit from one, we will refer you on to one of our trusted pelvic physiotherapists.
Considerations When Using Osteopathy for POP
While osteopathy is not a standalone treatment for POP, it can be a complementary approach alongside physiotherapy, pelvic floor muscle training, or medical treatments. Osteopathy may be particularly helpful for those with mild to moderate prolapse symptoms or for individuals seeking supportive care for managing discomfort.
For optimal results, consult an osteopath who has experience with pelvic floor issues and prolapse, as they can tailor the treatment to address your unique needs.
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