Can Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) Support IVF and Pregnancy Success?

Discover how Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) may support IVF Pregnancy outcomes and relieve pregnancy-related discomforts. Backed by scientific studies and patient-reported benefits.

Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, with an increasing number turning to in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive. Managing stress and emotional health can be a big part of this journey, You may explore our Perimenopause Depression & Anxiety Treatment to see if supportive care could help address stress and mood challenges during fertility and pregnancy

At Osteopathic Healing Hands, Dr. Payel Banik, DO a dual board-certified osteopathic physician, has seen firsthand how Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) may offer meaningful support to women on their fertility and pregnancy journey. While OMT is not a replacement for IVF pregnancy or conventional fertility treatments, emerging research and case studies suggest it may improve structural balance, reduce stress-related interference, and promote optimal conditions for conception and gestation.

There’s something magical about helping a pregnant woman through such a joyous and tremulous time. Nothing should take away from that joy, especially the physical symptoms that can leave a glowing pregnant woman in constant pain.

Having done many deliveries in medical school and residency, it was so exciting to lay a newborn onto a mom’s belly. But I also found that all my medical training didn’t prepare me to actually experience the roller coaster of trying to get pregnant and having to do IVF pregnancy (fertility treatment), feel the devastation of having miscarriages, the challenges of various pregnancy pains, and the postpartum ‘4th trimester.’

Being a mom is the hardest thing I have ever done! Pregnancy Brain, Mom Brain, and Mom Guilt are real! My personal experiences have given me a greater understanding of mom-hood and made me feel closer than ever to women trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, and are in the postpartum period. I feel elated when I can support you through your journey towards a happier and healthier pregnancy.”
— Dr. Payel Banik, DO

How OMT May Support Fertility and IVF Pregnancy Preparation

Manual osteopathic techniques aim to restore proper mobility and alignment to key structures in the pelvis, spine, and craniosacral system. In women with mechanical infertility, pelvic adhesions, or stress-related hormonal imbalance, this can be a meaningful adjunct to fertility care.

A case series published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine found that 6 of 10 women with infertility conceived within three months of 1–6 OMT sessions. All delivered full-term pregnancies. Techniques used included visceral manipulation, myofascial release, and lymphatic drainage (Kramp, 2012).

So you can: potentially improve your odds of getting pregnant naturally or alongside IVF by creating better alignment and blood flow in your pelvic region.

Additionally, academic research suggests that OMT may:

• Improve lymphatic drainage and hormonal signaling in the pelvic region
  So you can: support better hormone delivery to reproductive organs
• Reduce physical restrictions and tension in the uterus and ovaries
  So you can: promote a healthier environment for egg implantation and embryo development
• Support cranial nerve function and hormonal regulation via craniosacral therapy
  So you can: reduce stress on the body and support better communication between brain and reproductive system

Sources:

• Anderson, C. (2021). “Manual Osteopathy: An Alternative Look at Treating Infertility in Women” [Internal Thesis]
  So you can: understand how gentle, whole-body treatment may influence hormone balance and pelvic health
• Mohr, L. (2018). “The Benefits of Osteopathy as a Treatment Option for Infertility in Women” [Internal Thesis]
  So you can: see how women have used OMT as a lower-cost, low-risk alternative to invasive fertility procedures

While more large-scale studies are needed, these findings align with osteopathic principles: structure and function are interrelated, and restoring balance may improve the body’s capacity to self-regulate.

How OMT Support in Pregnancy 

OMT is widely used to help manage the musculoskeletal changes and physiological stressors of pregnancy. As the uterus expands, it alters posture, increases joint strain, and can compress circulation. OMT aims to ease these burdens safely.

In a randomized controlled trial, OMT slowed or prevented the deterioration of back-specific function in third-trimester pregnant women, compared to standard care (Licciardone et al., 2010).
So you can: keep moving, working, and sleeping more comfortably in the later stages of pregnancy.

Another study showed acute improvement in hemodynamic control (e.g., blood pressure regulation) after a single OMT session in pregnant women at 30 weeks gestation (Hensel et al., 2013).
So you can: potentially reduce swelling or blood pressure issues as your body adjusts to pregnancy.

Other cited benefits in peer-reviewed literature include:

• Decreased lower back pain, sciatica, and pelvic discomfort [Licciardone et al., 2010]
  So you can: walk, sit, and sleep with less pain
• Reduced swelling and improved venous return [Hensel et al., 2013]
  So you can: reduce leg heaviness and discomfort naturally
• Enhanced musculoskeletal function to support labor and delivery (Licciardone & Aryal, 2013)
  So you can: increase the chance of a smoother labor with fewer mechanical obstacles
  

What You Can Expect from OMT During Pregnancy at Our Clinic

Dr. Banik combines her medical training with a whole-body osteopathic approach tailored to each patient. Whether you’re preparing for IVF pregnancy or navigating pregnancy, treatments are:

• Gentle and personalized
• Focused on pelvic, spinal, craniosacral, and lymphatic balance
• Always conducted within the scope of osteopathic medical care

We never promise results—every body is different. But our goal is to remove barriers that may interfere with your body’s ability to conceive, grow, and deliver.

Book a pregnancy osteopathy appointment to find gentle care that supports your body through every stage.

Final Word: A Safe, Science-Guided Complement to Your Journey

If you’re undergoing IVF pregnancy or managing a high-risk or uncomfortable pregnancy, OMT may offer meaningful support. While it’s not a cure or standalone treatment, its ability to promote physiological balance and comfort is increasingly backed by evidence.

Always consult with your fertility specialist or OB-GYN before beginning any new therapy. Our clinic collaborates closely with your existing care team to ensure alignment and safety.

References

• Kramp ME. Combined manual therapy techniques for the treatment of women with infertility: a case series. J Osteopath Med. 2012;112(10):680–684.
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• Hensel KL, Pacchia CF, Smith ML. Acute improvement in hemodynamic control after OMT in the third trimester. Complement Ther Med. 2013;21(6):618–626.
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• Licciardone JC et al. OMT of back pain during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010;202(1):43.e1–8.
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• Licciardone JC, Aryal S. Prevention of progressive back-specific dysfunction during pregnancy: assessment of OMT based on Cochrane criteria. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2013;113(10):728–736.
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