An osteopathic approach to post-traumatic stress disorder in sexually abused women: a case report

Abstract

Case presentation

Sexual Assaults (SA) frequently lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with psychological and physical repercussions. This case report describes the effect of osteopathic treatment in regulating these symptoms in a woman who reported having been the victim of several assaults.

Materials and methods

The patient received five osteopathic treatments in response to neck and shoulder pain, nocturnal bruxism, sleep disorders, headaches and various musculoskeletal pains that the patient correlated chronologically with her various episodes of sexual and physical aggression.

Results

A significant improvement was observed in this patient using the PCL-5 scale. The patient also showed a marked improvement in her various somatic symptoms from the third consultation onwards.

Discussion

Osteopathy could be considered as a complementary, non-substitutive approach to psychological care. Several studies relating to PTSD have highlighted the added value of a bodily approach in helping patients progress towards recovery. This therapy has already been the subject of clinical cases with similar results in the context of war trauma.

Conclusion

The osteopathic approach could be a valuable aid in the management of post-traumatic stress linked to sexual assault. It notably could be a means of evoking in a different way the various physical sufferings that are sometimes imperceptible to imaging and to the various medical physical examinations.