Many people would not normally associate osteopathy with problems such as pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder weakness, and pain associated with some gynaecological problems. Using a gentle approach, mobilising the muscles and tissues of the pelvic region, osteopaths consider they can help circulation and drainage, improve muscle function, and ease various symptoms arising from the pelvic organs.

Some cases of painful intercourse after childbirth injury, for example, can be eased through the use of gentle techniques applied locally. Other painful symptoms such as with fibroids or endometriosis can also be eased by reducing swelling and tissue tension. In these instances treatment may need to be repeated but can lead to a better quality of life. Advice and help can also be given with pelvic floor exercises to improve organ support.

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Medical professionals and most physiotherapists working in these fields do not do much (if any) 'hands on' management, and even some release of tissue tension, and some help with exercises (making sure you are working the correct ones, for a start!) will aid overall progress. Drug therapy does not always work effectively or the same, in all people, and so alternative supportive measures, such as osteopathy may be needed.

Osteopaths can gently work on the following:·

Pelvic floor muscles·
Symphysis pubis and other pelvis joints·
Pelvic organs (by gentle massaging and stretching via the lower abdomen / tummy muscles)

Osteopaths do not aim to replace standard medical treatment - surgery may still be required in some instances, but, it is often the case that surgery can be deferred following treatment, or that recovery may be aided following osteopathic treatment. Because osteopaths use very gentle techniques they can be applied with days or weeks or surgery. If you have not had a medical diagnosis or any special tests done then it is usually the case that these are required, to help ensure osteopathic management is best directed.

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Treatment is aimed at improving movement and flexibility in the pelvic organs and tissues, and does not aim to 'remove' the problem, like surgery does for endometriosis or fibroids, for example. Osteopaths try to get the body and the tissues to accommodate the scarring and inflammation more efficiently, thus reducing pain and suffering.

The gentle massaging style techniques are applied so as to minimise discomfort. Patients often find that treatment takes 2-3 sessions to begin to alter the pain / symptom pattern, and after 4-6 treatments patients often notice improvement in their overall problem and lifestyle. Some patients require more 'maintenance treatment' than others, and this can be discussed in detail during the treatment sessions. Everyone requires a slightly different type of management, and there is no 'set number of treatments per condition'.

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