Myofascial Release for Vulvar Pain and Pubic Shear After a Straddle Injury in a 3-Year-Old Girl

J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2019 Nov 1;119(11):768-771. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2019.127.

Abstract

Pelvic malalignment is a somatic dysfunction that can lead to pelvic discomfort, despite normal genital examination findings. A 3-year-old girl presented with vulvar discomfort after a straddle injury sustained while riding a tricycle. The symptoms persisted despite standard medical treatment for vulvovaginitis and chronic vulvar irritation. An osteopathic structural examination revealed distortions of the bony pelvis, often associated with genitourinary complaints. After 5 osteopathic manipulative treatment sessions, the patient experienced significant relief. With persistent vulvar pain, somatic dysfunction should be considered in the differential diagnosis. A brief musculoskeletal examination of the pubic tubercles, iliac crest, and iliac spines can help to identify somatic dysfunction in a gynecologic patient with symptoms that are unresponsive to standard treatments.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bicycling / injuries*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Manipulation, Osteopathic / methods*
  • Pelvic Pain / therapy*
  • Vulvovaginitis / therapy*