Pelvic pain is a health concern that many people experience but often don’t talk about. Whether it’s sharp, stabbing pain, a dull ache, or discomfort that comes and goes, pelvic pain can be disruptive and distressing. It can stem from a variety of causes, such as musculoskeletal issues, injuries, post-surgical recovery, or conditions like endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Regardless of the cause, managing the symptoms is essential to improving your quality of life.

This is where osteopathy may offer support. As a healthcare approach that focuses on the whole body, osteopathy may be particularly effective in helping you to manage pelvic pain:

Addressing musculoskeletal imbalances

• Pelvic pain can sometimes be related to impaired movement and function in the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the pelvic region. Osteopaths are trained to assess and treat these areas using gentle, hands-on techniques. By aiming to improve mobility and function in your pelvis and spine, osteopaths may help to reduce strain on your muscles and ligaments, potentially alleviating pain and discomfort.

Supporting circulation and inflammation management

• Some osteopathic techniques are aimed at supporting circulation, which may assist in managing inflammation in the pelvic region. Good circulation helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to tissues, removing excess fluids and assisting the body’s natural healing processes. However, the impact of osteopathic treatment can vary, and it is important to discuss your specific needs with a healthcare professional.

Assisting post-surgical recovery

• If you’ve had surgery in the pelvic area, osteopathy may support your recovery by improving mobility and function, promoting scar tissue healing and helping to ease discomfort. Osteopathic care could be a part of a broader rehabilitation plan tailored to your individual situation to support your return to normal activities.

Complementing other treatments

• Osteopathy can be integrated with other treatments you might be receiving for pelvic pain, such as physiotherapy, medication, or exercise. Your osteopath can collaborate with your healthcare team to ensure that all aspects of your care work together to support your overall wellbeing. Your osteopath is also well trained to know when referral to your GP or other specialists or services may be required.

Offering a tailored approach

• Every individual is unique, and so is their experience of pelvic pain. Osteopaths take the time to understand your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and health history to develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to you. This personalised approach aims to address the underlying causes of your pain rather than just focusing on symptoms.

Pelvic pain can be challenging, but there are options available to help manage it. Osteopathy offers a whole body approach to treatment, focusing on the interconnectedness of the body’s systems to support overall health. If you’re considering osteopathy as part of your approach to managing pelvic pain, speak with a qualified healthcare professional to discuss whether it might be right for you.

This blog was developed for Womens Health Week 2024 in association with Dr Daniela Aiello (Osteopath) from Bulleen Osteopathy Daniela is a member of Osteopathy Australia and is an active member of the Women’s Health Clinical Advisory Group.