Osteopathy in Postpartum Lumbopelvic Pain

Postpartum lumbopelvic pain is a common musculoskeletal condition experienced by womenafter childbirth. Pain may be localized in the lumbar spine, pelvic girdle, or bothregions, and can persist for several months after delivery. This condition may affectphysical function, mobility, daily activities, sleep quality, psychological well‐being,and quality of life. Difficulties in caring for the newborn, reduced participation insocial activities, and limitations in occupational and household tasks are frequentlyreported among women with postpartum lumbopelvic pain.The etiology of postpartum lumbopelvic pain is considered multifactorial. Hormonalchanges during pregnancy, altered biomechanics, increased ligamentous laxity, changes inmuscle function, reduced trunk stability, and physical demands associated with pregnancyand childbirth may contribute to the development and persistence of symptoms. Inaddition, psychosocial factors and individual pain responses may influence symptomseverity and recovery.Conservative management is generally recommended as the first‐line approach forpostpartum lumbopelvic pain. Common treatment strategies include patient education,therapeutic exercise, stabilization programs, and manual therapy interventions.Exercise‐based rehabilitation aims to improve trunk muscle function, enhance lumbopelvicstability, and reduce pain‐related disability. Core stabilization exercises arefrequently used to improve neuromuscular control and functional capacity in women withpostpartum lumbopelvic pain.Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a manual therapy approach that utilizes avariety of hands‐on techniques to address musculoskeletal dysfunctions, improve mobility,and optimize body function. Previous studies have reported beneficial effects of OMT onpain intensity, physical function, disability, and quality of life in differentmusculoskeletal conditions. OMT has also been investigated in women during pregnancy andthe postpartum period, with findings suggesting potential improvements in pain andfunctional outcomes. However, the available evidence remains limited, and furtherhigh‐quality randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify its effectiveness inpostpartum lumbopelvic pain.Exercise‐based rehabilitation has been reported to influence inflammatory responses andis commonly used in the management of postpartum lumbopelvic pain. In addition to itsclinical effects on pain and function, Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment may alsoinfluence inflammatory biomarkers and stress‐related hormonal responses. However,evidence regarding the effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on inflammatorybiomarkers and cortisol levels in women with postpartum lumbopelvic pain remains limited.Further research is needed to better understand both the clinical and biological effectsof Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in this population.The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effects ofOsteopathic Manipulative Treatment on pain intensity in women with postpartum lumbopelvicpain. Secondary aims are to evaluate the effects of treatment on functional status,quality of life, inflammatory biomarkers, and stress‐related hormone levels.A total of 45 women with postpartum lumbopelvic pain will be recruited for this study.Participants will be randomly allocated to one of three groups: (1) education and corestabilization exercises, (2) education and core stabilization exercises combined withOsteopathic Manipulative Treatment, or (3) education and core stabilization exercisescombined with sham Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment. Exercise interventions will beperformed three times per week for six weeks, while Osteopathic Manipulative Treatmentand sham Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment will be administered once every two weeks fora total of four sessions over eight weeks. Outcome measures will be assessed beforetreatment and one week after completion of the final treatment session.