Treatment Overview
Manual Pelvic Alignment Therapy focuses on hands-on techniques to realign the pelvis, pelvis-spine-hip joint mechanics, and associated soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, fascia) that support the pelvic floor. In Korea, this therapy is often integrated into pelvic floor physical therapy programmes within women’s health or urogynecology clinics — especially in postpartum recovery, pelvic pain, functional rehabilitation, or after pelvic surgery. It combines manual adjustment, joint mobilisation, soft-tissue release and posture/movement retraining to restore optimal musculoskeletal alignment and enhance pelvic floor function.
Purpose & Benefits
The aim of this therapy is to correct misalignment or imbalance of pelvic joints (sacroiliac, pubic symphysis, hip joints), reduce asymmetry or strain on the pelvic floor muscles, and restore core-pelvic stability so that the pelvic floor can function more effectively. Benefits include improved posture, reduced back/hip/pelvic girdle pain, enhanced pelvic floor muscle activation (because muscles are placed in better biomechanical alignment), reduced urinary or fecal leakage (via improved support), better functional movement (bending, lifting, carrying), faster postpartum recovery, and prevention of long-term musculoskeletal or pelvic floor problems.
Ideal Candidates
Women who have recently given birth and experience pelvic instability, hip pain or pelvic joint discomfort; those with low-back or sacroiliac joint pain linked to pelvic floor dysfunction; women who have had pelvic or gynecologic surgery with resulting alignment or mobility deficits; individuals with persistent pelvic floor symptoms (incontinence, pelvic heaviness, prolapse) where musculoskeletal alignment is a contributing factor; and women looking for conservative, non-surgical therapy to optimise pelvic floor rehabilitation.
Possible Risks & Complications
As a non-invasive manual therapy, risks are generally low but should be noted. Temporary soreness, fatigue or light pain after sessions is common as tissues adjust. If alignment corrections are aggressive or applied too early (e.g., very soon after major surgery or delivery), there may be risk of increased discomfort or delayed healing. Performing therapy without proper assessment may miss a structural issue requiring surgical evaluation. It is essential that the therapist is trained in women’s pelvic health and works in conjunction with medical oversight.
Surgical Techniques Used
While Manual Pelvic Alignment Therapy itself is non-surgical, it is often used in conjunction with or following surgical interventions when pelvic support structures (ligaments, fascia) are repaired. In such cases, the surgical component may include pelvic floor repair, ligament fixation or joint stabilisation, and the manual alignment therapy then serves as rehabilitation to restore alignment, mobility and function. The integrated approach ensures the surgical repair is optimised by good biomechanical alignment of the pelvis and surrounding musculature.
Recovery & Aftercare
After manual alignment therapy sessions, patients are usually advised to avoid heavy lifting, high-impact activity or prolonged postures (e.g., slumping) until alignment and muscle stability are improved. Home exercise programmes emphasise posture correction, pelvic floor and core muscle retraining, hip/leg mobility work, and functional movement patterns. Maintenance sessions may be needed monthly or as required. Over time, as alignment and muscle coordination improve, patients progress to independent functional training and eventually full return to exercise/responsibilities.
Results & Longevity
Patients typically report reduced pelvic/back/hip pain, better posture, improved movement and less strain on their pelvic floor muscles within a few sessions. Longer-term results include stronger pelvic support, fewer incontinence or prolapse symptoms (if alignment was a contributing factor), and improved functional ability. Longevity depends on adherence to home exercises, avoidance of repeated misalignment (heavy lifting with poor form, sitting posture, etc.), maintenance visits and addressing lifestyle contributors (weight, movement quality). The Korean model emphasises maintenance to preserve alignment and function.
Treatment Process in Korea
In Korea, the process starts with a detailed musculoskeletal and pelvic floor assessment by a multidisciplinary team (gynecologist/urogynecologist + pelvic floor physiotherapist/manual therapist). The assessment covers pelvic floor muscle strength, joint mobility (pelvis, hips, spine), posture/movement patterns, and identifies misalignment or asymmetry. Based on this, a customised plan is created: manual pelvic joint mobilisation/adjustment, soft-tissue/myofascial release around the pelvis, guided pelvic floor and core muscle training, posture and movement education (how to carry baby, how to sit/stand/lift), and ongoing monitoring of alignment and function. Clinics in Korea often combine this with high-level physiotherapy and international patient support, making it a popular destination for effective manual alignment plus pelvic floor rehabilitation.
Cost Range
The cost varies depending on the clinic, session details and whether additional diagnostics are included. An initial consultation and alignment assessment might cost around ₩ 50,000 to ₩ 100,000 (approx. USD 40-75). Each manual alignment therapy session may cost around ₩ 70,000 to ₩ 150,000 (USD 50-110). Package programmes of multiple sessions (e.g., 8–10 sessions) might range from approximately ₩ 560,000 to ₩ 1,200,000 (USD 415-900). Additional diagnostics (imaging, muscle/joint assessment) or adjunct therapies (core training devices) may add to total cost.
