Potential effects of combining osteopathic manual therapy and menstrual awareness on pain and associated symptoms in women with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background

Dysmenorrhea is a menstrual condition that accounts for 50–90 % of all gynaecological consultations and is the most common gynaecological condition among young women. Lack of information regarding treatment options can affect the symptoms and quality of life of women who suffer from it. Osteopathic manual therapy could be a treatment option to improve symptoms in primary dysmenorrhea.

Objective

The aim of this study was to apply an osteopathic manual therapy protocol to reduce menstrual pain and other symptoms related to primary dysmenorrhea.

Methods

A randomized clinical trial was conducted. Thirty-nine female volunteers diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea, with a mean age of 30.4 years (SD = 5.67), were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (n = 19) who received body awareness plus osteopathic manual therapy and a comparator group (n = 20) who received only body awareness. Pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale), pain perception (the McGill Pain Questionnaire), quality of life (36-Item Short Form Survey Instrument), body satisfaction (Body Satisfaction and Global Self-Perception Questionnaire), and overall perception of change (Patient Global Impression of Change Scale) were assessed pre- and post-treatment.

Results

Comparing both groups, the experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in pain intensity (p = 0.007), pain perception (p = 0.025), quality of life (p < 0.001), and body satisfaction (p < 0.001). In addition, most women in the experimental group (94.7 %) perceived a positive change after treatment, while most of the comparator group (65 %) reported no changes.

Conclusion

An osteopathic manual therapy protocol combined with body awareness revealed significant improvements in terms of pain and other symptoms in women with dysmenorrhea.