Perineal Massage in Obstetric Physiotherapy: A Literature Review
Abstract
Introduction: Physiotherapy is used as a preventive therapy for perineal injury during pregnancy and delivery. It encompasses several techniques, including perineal massage PM.
Aims: a) to review existing literature about PM during pregnancy and delivery; b) to find out whether a fixed protocol exists, and c) to assess whether pregnant women should be taught PM techniques.Materials and methodology:
Internet search:Databases: Medline (Pubmed), fndice Medico Espanol, ISBN, Rebium and Teseo. - Paramedic information webpages (www.tupediatra.com).
Libraries: University of Granada, UCAM. Descriptors: massage (masaje), perineal (perineal), pregnancy (embarazo) and delivery (parto), in isolation or combined by means of the operator «and». Restrictions: articles written between 1994 and 2005, in Spanish and English. Results and discussion: PM during pregnancy is an effective means of preserving post-delivery perineal fitness. PM during delivery has not been demostrated to be beneficial. No evidence has been found for a systematised PM obstetric protocol. PM is welcome by pregnant women.Conclusions: 1. Pre- and postdelivery PM has demonstrated to reduce the pelvic floor secondary disorders.
his is not so with PM during delivery, which may prove damaging.No evidence has been found for a systematised PM protocol. Further research is necessary.
PM is well received by pregnant women (including self-massage techniques).
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