Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) is a hands-on approach to treating conditions that affect all areas of the body. Physicians trained in OMT (Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine or DO) use OMT to correct structural imbalances in the body, relieve pain, and improve circulation. It is not only used as a treatment modality, but also to diagnose and prevent disease and improve overall functioning. There are over 40 OMT techniques that all involve gentle manipulation of the muscles, soft tissues, and joints in several ways to optimize alignment, improve blood flow, restore balance, and improve range of motion ("Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy \& OMT." Cleveland Clinic). Research shows that manual therapy is equally or more effective in treating pain and improving function versus oral analgesics (Bodine). OMT can decrease cost and improve function in patients with a minimal adverse effect profile.

Some OMT techniques are similar to those used by chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists. What makes it unique is that osteopathic physicians are trained to apply the philosophies of OMT with their comprehensive medical training of all body systems to specifically adapt the treatment to each individual patient. They incorporate their vast knowledge of pathology and physiology with the philosophy that the body can self-heal and self-regulate.

While OMT is most known for its application in treating pain, it truly involves holistic examination of the whole patient - body, mind, and spirit - and can be applied to any situation that places stress upon the body. It is also adjusted based on the patient's condition, age, weight, and other characteristics to yield personalized treatment that can be an adjunct to treatment for virtually any disease or condition (Roberts). Other OMT applications include relieving asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraines, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sports-related injuries. In addition to the indications listed above, there is a growing body of research surrounding the use of OMT in pregnancy and its use in treatment and prevention of complications peripartum.

The current practice of obstetrics does not often incorporate the use of OMT in pregnancy to treat pain or prevent complications during and after delivery, despite evidence that it is safe. The investigators believe there is a need to focus attention on the effect of OMT on the rates of specific adverse events in labor and delivery.

Research Question: Does OMT during the third trimester of pregnancy improve delivery outcomes including: decreased labor times, less utilization of analgesics, fewer incidences of meconium fluid and perineal lacerations, and reduced risk of conversion to c-section or operative vaginal delivery? Though all research has shown that OMT is safe in pregnancy there has been conflicting data on its benefits during the peripartum period. Additional research is needed to show its utility in decreasing labor times and need for analgesics during labor and reducing incidence of adverse outcomes including perineal lacerations and conversion to c-section and operative vaginal delivery. The current study will add to the growing body of knowledge about OMT during pregnancy and its potential benefits outside of musculoskeletal pain relief.