Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy for postpartum service members

Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy as Part of the Postpartum Care Continuum for Active-Duty Service Members

Not applicable Interventional Brooke Army Medical Center · NCT06560190

This study is testing whether eight weeks of hands-on physical therapy can help postpartum active-duty service members feel better and get back to being active.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment58 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 44 Years
SexFemale
SponsorBrooke Army Medical Center Federal
Locations1 site (San Antonio, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06560190 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effects of eight weeks of orthopaedic manual physical therapy (OMPT) on postpartum active-duty service members. It will assess changes in health-related quality of life, pain levels, and physical activity following the intervention. Participants will receive individualized treatment from a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist, with evaluations conducted at the start and end of the eight-week period. The study seeks to fill a gap in literature regarding musculoskeletal injuries in postpartum military women and provide actionable guidance for returning to physical activity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are female active-duty service members who are postpartum between 6 weeks and 6 months and have been cleared by their OBGYN to initiate physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients currently receiving treatment from an orthopedic physical therapist or those with specific musculoskeletal conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the physical health and quality of life for postpartum service members, enabling them to return to active duty more effectively.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited literature specifically addressing this population, similar approaches in postpartum physical therapy have shown promise in improving recovery and physical activity levels.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female Active-Duty Service Member
* Postpartum \>6 weeks and \<6 months
* Cleared by OBGYN at postpartum follow-up to initiate physical activity

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current or ongoing treatment by an orthopaedic physical therapist
* Separating from military service in the next 6 months
* Current permanent profile for a musculoskeletal condition
* Peripartum Hysterectomy

Where this trial is running

San Antonio, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PostpartumPregnancy RelatedPhysical ActivityPregnancyService MemberPhysical Therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.