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Review of a study on the effects of Craniosacral Therapy on pelvic girdle pain (PGP) in pregnant women  

 

This is an older study and was first published on January 31, 2013. The study was performed between September 2009 and February 2011. The study aimed to support women during pregnancy who were suffering from pelvic girdle pain. It has been reported that 30% of pregnant women suffer from pelvic girdle pain (PGP), and is one of the most common causes of sick leave during pregnancy. Women who had other pain symptoms or a history of surgery or disease of the spine or pelvis, or with systemic disorders were excluded from the study.

 

The study was a randomised, multicenter, single blind, controlled trial, which took place in Sweden at a university hospital as well as a private clinic and 26 maternity care centres. There were a total of 123 pregnant women who reported PGP.

 

A visual analog scale (0-100 mm) was used to measure pain. Oswestry Disability Index was also used, which is a questionnaire used to quantify disability for low back pain and quality of life. The European Quality of Life measure was used to determine health related quality of life. A visual analog scale was used to chart the unpleasantness of pain. An independent examiner was used to assess the severity of the PGP for the client. Multiple special tests were used to determine whether the pain was low back related, or if it was specifically PGP.

 

The groups were divided into two groups. The control group received general information about PGP, were given advice on activities of daily living regarding PGP, were given an elastic pelvic belt, and a home training program. The intervention group received the same treatment as the control group, but also received Craniosacral Treatment. The treatments were performed by two experienced Craniosacral therapists (14-16 years of experience). Manual release, or direct Craniosacral releases were done around the L5-S1 junction of the low back, as well as on/ around the pubic symphysis. The hands on portion of the treatment was done once weekly for 2 weeks, then once every second week for 6 weeks. Each treatment lasted 45 minutes. In total there were 60 women in the control group and  63 women in the intervention group (who were receiving Craniosacral Therapy).

 

Overall findings were not outstanding in a difference between the two groups. There were 10 women in each group that found disadvantages to the treatments, and there were 5 minor adverse effects noting a temporary increase in PGP, elastic belt discomfort, and drowsiness. Overall the conclusion of the study showed little changes in PGP with women who also received Craniosacral treatment and conclusions about the study should be drawn carefully. However, there was a small percentage showing that more women in the intervention group found treatment helpful. The findings also showed that the intervention group, who received Craniosacral therapy, noted a decrease in PGP that they were having in the morning, as well as less functional deterioration. Concrete conclusions can’t be drawn because the study findings were not significant, however, noting some changes in the morning PGP and less functional deterioration in the intervention patients is an exciting discussion that I hope to see more research on.

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Copy and paste link to see the full report and other references: 

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​https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aogs.12096