Visceral Osteopathic Manual Therapy Methods in Women With Stress Urinary Incontinence

The Effect of Visceral Osteopathic Manual Therapy Methods in Women With Stress Urinary Incontinence

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of visceral osteopathic manual therapy method for stress urinary incontinence in female patients. As a result of the study, the effect of visceral osteopathic manual therapy fascial release on bladder control, quality of life and flexibility will be evaluated.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is an important health problem that occurs when continence cannot be achieved and negatively affects the lives of individuals according to the International Continence Society (ICS). Stress urinary incontinence (SUI), one of the most common types of UI, is a problem that occurs during coughing, laughing, sneezing, exercise (one of which is caused by increased intra-abdominal pressure (Valsalva maneuver) and shows a steady increase in women with age. The aim in the treatment of SUI is to ensure that patients regain their continence skills. In recent years, conservative treatment methods have been preferred more in the treatment of SUI due to their ease of application and low cost. It is thought that Osteopathic Manual Therapy (OMT) reduces the negative effects of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction on body systems, improves respiratory mechanics, venous and lymphatic drainage, and accordingly supports homeostasis and optimizes functions.

In this study, it is planned to investigate the effect of the visceral system and visceral fascia on SUI.

It is thought that the fascia surrounding the internal organs can be loosened and systematic diseases can be affected with the visceral osteopathic manual therapy (VOMT) method, which is among the osteopathic manual therapy methods.

Within the scope of the study, 40 volunteer female patients diagnosed with SUI will be evaluated and randomly divided into 2 groups. Day 1 evaluation scales will be applied to both groups, VOMT methods will be applied to the experimental group a total of four times a week, and bladder mobilization will be given as a home program, and no application will be made to the control group. Both groups will be re-evaluated in months 1 and 4. The inadequacy of studies conducted on this subject was an important factor in choosing this method.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being a woman between the ages of 18 and 70
• Being able to communicate in Turkish
• Being able to read and write
• Being able to understand and follow verbal prompts
• Being willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Presence of prolapse
• Presence of vaginal and urinary system infection or malignancy
• Presence of neurological damage
• Having had any disease that may cause incontinence
• Having had surgery for SUI or urogynecological reasons in the last 2 months.