In women, gynecological pain – transient or chronic – is very common. “Because there can be many traumatic events in his life: childbirth, falls, violence, repeated infections (bladder, uterus and fallopian tubes), long-term conditions such as endometriosis (1)… All these disorders can give contractures or imbalances of the reproductive system.In addition, there are many nerves in this area, and the slightest trauma can lead to pain, details Sarah Magnaldo, gynecologist-obstetrician in Antibes. Sometimes our role as a doctor is not enough; the patient continues to suffer despite the treatments. In this case, it is useful to call on physiotherapy, but also on gynecological osteopathy to complete the care.
In recent years, patients are more and more daring to talk regarding pain related to the gynecological sphere.. “Mediatization around endometriosis has freed women’s voices. They no longer want to suffer in silence“, analyzes Dr Sarah Magnaldo.
Recently, the gynecologist has been collaborating with Sophie Nave, an osteopath specializing in gynecological disorders in Antibes. The two professionals defend the advantages of this partnership in the management of urino-genital pain.
For what disorders?
Overall, gynecological osteopathy can treat all disorders related to the mechanical dysfunction of the body. “The symptoms can be multiple such as pain during menstruation or ovulation, absence of menstruation, infertility, urinary incontinence or pain when going to the saddle…”
More specifically, this method can be effective, in particular, for pain from endometriosis or vulvodynia (chronic or periodic pain localized at the vaginal entrance or in the area of the vulva). “Because these pathologies cause inflammation, and the instinctive reaction of the body is to create a muscular contraction. When the pathology becomes chronic, an abnormal pain message is sent to the brain. The latter then becomes autonomous in its treatment of pain: it causes the affected area to contract even though the patient has been treated and there are no longer any signs of pathology.This is where osteopathy, like physiotherapy (2), can provide valuable assistance “, emphasizes Dr. Sarah Magnaldo. Osteopathy can also soothe women affected by vaginismus, a sexual disorder characterized by an involuntary contraction of the muscles of the perineum.
How it works?
In general, the osteopath intervenes following the doctor’s diagnosis and before the physiotherapy. “Once the disorder has been identified, we check that the person is not blocked. The objective is then to rebalance the body as a whole before the patient begins rehabilitation – on a specific area – with the physiotherapist” , explains Sophie Nave.
Through bodily manipulations, the osteopath relieves bone, muscle or ligament disorders. “The objective is to reduce the intensity and duration of symptoms in the lower abdominal area, in the pelvis, and in the entire area where the reproductive system is located. By restoring mobility to all these areas, the vascular system works better, areas of muscle hypertonia relax and the nervous system is freer”, explains Sophie Nave. Osteopathy can also act on areas indirectly linked to the reproductive system, such as the lower back, hips or legs.
And the pregnant woman?
During pregnancy, gynecological osteopathy can act on many disorders such as headaches, gastroesophageal reflux, intestinal transit difficulties, constipation, circulation problems, swelling in the legs or even pain in the cervical. “The body changes during pregnancy, and the fetus can come to exert pressure. The osteopath comes to unravel the various tensions.”
Sophie Nave also obtains very good results for trauma to the perineum (all the tissues that form the floor of the small pelvis between the anus and the genitals). “ It supports our reproductive organs and the fetus. During childbirth, a woman may end up with part of the perineum contracted, but only on one side. However, an asymmetrical contraction of the latter can give sciatica or low back pain.
Alteration of the pelvic diaphragm or treatment of caesarean section scars…: gynecological osteopathy can also be beneficial following childbirth.
What results?
In general, 2 to 3 sessions are enough to reduce gynecological suffering. But the result is not guaranteed. It depends on the pathology, the person’s history, the degree of pain and their history.” In the absence of results, the patient is referred to multidisciplinary medical care (structures specializing in chronic pain, surgical care, etc.).
1. Inflammatory and chronic gynecological disease which affects nearly 10% to 15% of women. This figure is probably underestimated.
2. The physiotherapist is an approved rehabilitation professional who can act in prevention as well as under prescription.
