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Namazi G, Chauhan N, Handler S. Myofascial pelvic pain: the forgotten player in chronic pelvic pain. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2024; 36:273-281. [PMID: 38837702 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this review article, we discuss myofascial-related chronic pelvic pain, pathophysiology, symptomology, and management options. RECENT FINDINGS Despite high prevalence of myofascial pelvic pain, screening is not routinely performed by providers. Treatment modalities include pelvic floor physical therapy, pelvic floor trigger point injections with anesthetics or botulinum toxin A and cryotherapy. Other adjunct modalities, such as muscle relaxants and intravaginal benzodiazepines, are used, but data regarding their effectiveness is sparse. SUMMARY Myofascial pelvic pain is an important, though overlooked component of chronic pelvic pain. Multimodal, multidisciplinary approach including patient education, pelvic floor physical therapy, and trigger point injections is the mainstay of the management of myofascial pelvic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golnaz Namazi
- Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, University of California Riverside
| | - Navya Chauhan
- University of California Riverside School of Medicine
| | - Stephanie Handler
- Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
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Kowalski JT, Barber MD, Klerkx WM, Grzybowska ME, Toozs-Hobson P, Rogers RG, Milani AL. International urogynecological consultation chapter 4.1: definition of outcomes for pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Int Urogynecol J 2023; 34:2689-2699. [PMID: 37819369 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05660-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS This manuscript of Chapter 4 of the International Urogynecological Consultation (IUC) on Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) reviews the literature and makes recommendations on the definition of success in the surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. METHODS An international group containing seven urogynecologists performed an exhaustive search of the literature using two PubMed searches and using PICO methodology. The first search was from 01/01/2012-06/12/2022. A second search from inception to 7/24/2022 was done to access older references. Publications were eliminated if not relevant to the clinical definition of surgical success for the treatment of POP. All abstracts were reviewed for inclusion and any disagreements were adjudicated by majority consensus of the writing group. The resulting list of articles were used to inform a comprehensive review and creation of the definition of success in the surgical treatment of POP. OUTCOMES The original search yielded 12,161 references of which 45 were used by the writing group. Ultimately, 68 references are included in the manuscript. For research purposes, surgical success should be primarily defined by the absence of bothersome patient bulge symptoms or retreatment for POP and a time frame of at least 12 months follow-up should be used. Secondary outcomes, including anatomic measures of POP and related pelvic floor symptoms, should not contribute to a definition of success or failure. For clinical practice, surgical success should primarily be defined as the absence of bothersome patient bulge symptoms. Surgeons may consider using PASS (patient acceptable symptom state) or patient goal attainment assessments, and patients should be followed for a minimum of at least one encounter at 6-12 weeks post-operatively. For surgeries involving mesh longer-term follow-up is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T Kowalski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Matthew D Barber
- Department of Ob/Gyn, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Magdalena E Grzybowska
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | | | - Alfredo L Milani
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reinier de Graaf Hospital, 2625 AD, Delft, the Netherlands
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Myofascial Pelvic Pain: Best Orientation and Clinical Practice. Position of the European Association of Urology Guidelines Panel on Chronic Pelvic Pain. Eur Urol Focus 2023; 9:172-177. [PMID: 35945131 DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite the high prevalence of a myofascial pain component in chronic pelvic pain (CPP) syndromes, awareness and management of this component are lacking among health care providers. OBJECTIVE To summarize the current state of the art for the management of myofascial pain in chronic primary pelvic pain syndromes (CPPPS) according to scientific research and input from experts from the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines panel on CPP. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A narrative review was undertaken using three sources: (1) information in the EAU guidelines on CPP; (2) information retrieved from the literature on research published in the past 3 yr on myofascial pelvic pain; and (3) expert opinion from panel members. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Studies confirm a high prevalence of a myofascial pain component in CPPPS. Examination of the pelvic floor muscles should follow published recommendations to standardize findings and disseminate the procedure. Treatment of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and pain in the context of CPP was found to contribute to CPP control and is feasible via different physiotherapy techniques. A multidisciplinary approach is the most effective. CONCLUSIONS Despite its high prevalence, the myofascial component of CPP has been underevaluated and undertreated to date. Myofascial pain must be assessed in all patients with CPPPS. Treatment of the myofascial pain component is relevant for global treatment success. Further studies are imperative to reinforce and better define the role of each physiotherapy technique in CPPPS. PATIENT SUMMARY Pain and inflammation of the body's muscle and soft tissues (myofascial pain) frequently occurs in pelvic pain syndromes. Its presence must be evaluated to optimize management for each patient. If diagnosed, myofascial pain should be treated.
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Kapurubandara SC, Lowes B, Sansom-Daly UM, Deans R, Abbott JA. A systematic review of diagnostic tests to detect pelvic floor myofascial pain. Int Urogynecol J 2022; 33:2379-2389. [PMID: 35796787 PMCID: PMC9427874 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-022-05258-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Myofascial pain arising from pelvic floor muscles occurs in women with vaginismus, interstitial cystitis and endometriosis but is often overlooked. The aim is to examine alternative diagnostic tests to detect pelvic floor myofascial pain compared with standardized vaginal palpation of pelvic floor muscles as the reference test. METHODS A systematic review was prospectively conducted (PROSPERO-CRD42020183092) according to PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included Ovid Medline 1946-, Embase 1957-, Scopus 1960-, Cochrane Combined, Clinical trials, Google Scholar (top 200 articles), Web of Science, TRIP, BIOSIS, DARE, CINHAL, EmCare, PEDro, ProQuest and EBSCOhost up to July 2020. Articles were independently screened by two authors and assessed for bias using QUASDAS-2 tool. RESULTS A total of 26,778 articles were screened and 177 were selected for full text review, of which 5 were selected for final analysis. Five studies included 9694 participants of which 1628 had pelvic floor myofascial pain. Only one study reported data to calculate sensitivities and specificities of the index test, which utilized a score of > 40 on the Central Sensitization Inventory to detect women with pelvic floor myofascial pain and revealed a sensitivity of 34.8% and a specificity of 84.9% compared to the reference test. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review did not reveal any diagnostic test superior to the pre-defined reference test. There is a lack of consensus on the definition of pelvic floor myofascial pain and a lack of a validated diagnostic criteria which must be addressed to progress with meaningful research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supuni C. Kapurubandara
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Level 1, Royal Hospital for Women, Barker Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW 2031 Australia ,Department of O&G, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia ,Sydney West Advanced Pelvic Surgical Unit, SWAPS, Sydney, Australia
| | - Basia Lowes
- Sydney West Advanced Pelvic Surgical Unit, SWAPS, Sydney, Australia ,Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia ,Department of O&G, Blacktown Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ursula M. Sansom-Daly
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Level 1, Royal Hospital for Women, Barker Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW 2031 Australia ,Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia ,Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rebecca Deans
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Level 1, Royal Hospital for Women, Barker Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW 2031 Australia ,GRACE Unit, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jason A. Abbott
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Level 1, Royal Hospital for Women, Barker Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW 2031 Australia ,GRACE Unit, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, Australia
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Xu J, Chen K, Ding B, Zhu M, Yao S, Ren M, Shen Y. Effectiveness of self-myofascial release combined with biofeedback and electrical stimulation for the management of myofascial pelvic pain: A randomized controlled trial. Eur J Pain 2021; 26:405-416. [PMID: 34592023 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myofascial pelvic pain (MFPP) caused by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) is a major contributor to chronic pelvic pain in women. However, the effect of the patient's self-myofascial release (SMFR) is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of SMFR combined with biofeedback and electrical stimulation (BES) therapy in comparison with BES alone in patients with MFPP. METHODS A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted. Sixty-eight patients were randomly allocated into BES-SMFR group (n = 34) and BES group (n = 34). Every patient received 4 weeks of treatment, evaluated at baseline (T0), 4 weeks post-intervention (T4) and 12-week follow-up (T12). The primary outcome was pain intensity. The secondary outcomes were degree of activation of MTrPs, surface electromyography (sEMG) levels and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I). RESULTS Compared with the effect of BES, BES-SMFR treatment significantly decreased pain intensity and the degree of activation of MTrPs in the levator ani (p = 0.02) and obturator internus (p = 0.03), as well as the sEMG levels of the pre-test resting baseline and post-test resting baseline (all p < 0.01). The degree of activation of MTrPs in the piriformis and coccygeus (all p > 0.05) and the sEMG levels of the quick flicks and endurance contraction were not significantly different. The BES-SMFR treatment improved the PGI-I scale at T4 (p = 0.02) but not at T12 (p = 0.40). CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed that the addition of SMFR to BES treatment resulted in superior outcomes compared with those with BES alone in patients with MFPP. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Myofascial pelvic pain (MFPP) is a major contributor of female chronic pelvic pain. Myofascial release has been used commonly for better pain release; however, poor therapeutic effect due to poor patient compliance is common in clinical practice. Therefore, in future research, there is a need to investigate the effect of patient's self-myofascial release (SMFR) technique, which can eliminate the need for frequent office visits and improve patient compliance to some extent, in patients with MFPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyun Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Section of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Howard University Hospital, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Bo Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shanshan Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mulan Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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A randomized comparison of training programs using a pelvic model designed to enhance pelvic floor examination in patients presenting with chronic pelvic pain. Int Urogynecol J 2020; 32:423-431. [PMID: 32897461 PMCID: PMC7477739 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-020-04487-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Pelvic floor myalgia is a common cause and contributor to chronic pelvic pain [Neurourol Urodyn 4:984–1008 (2017)]. The purpose of this study was to compare in-person versus video-based teaching methods of a comprehensive assessment of the pelvic floor musculature on a pelvic model. Methods A randomized controlled trial of 46 participants was conducted. The participants were randomized into two groups. Both groups were taught by the same pelvic floor physiotherapist using two different teaching methods on a pelvic model. Group 1 watched an instructional video, whereas group 2 had in-person training. Both groups underwent pre- and post-training assessments consisting of a written examination and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Primary outcome measure was the change in participants’ pre- and post-training assessment scores. Secondary outcome measures were perceived changes in both participants’ comfort level in performing pelvic floor examination and applicability of the training program to clinical practice. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the teaching methods in the degree of improvement of the participants’ mean written assessment scores (p = 0.58), OSCE scores (p = 0.15), and perceived comfort level (p = 0.19). Participants’ mean pre- and post-assessment scores improved significantly (p < 0.001). Participants reported the training program to be applicable towards their clinical practice. Conclusions This study demonstrates that learners’ assessment of pelvic floor musculature can be enhanced using varied teaching methods on a pelvic model.
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Meister MR, Sutcliffe S, Badu A, Ghetti C, Lowder JL. Pelvic floor myofascial pain severity and pelvic floor disorder symptom bother: is there a correlation? Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 221:235.e1-235.e15. [PMID: 31319079 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pelvic floor myofascial pain, which is predominantly identified in the muscles of the levator ani and obturator internus, has been observed in women with chronic pelvic pain and other pelvic floor disorder symptoms, and is hypothesized to contribute to their symptoms. OBJECTIVES To describe the prevalence of pelvic floor myofascial pain in patients presenting with pelvic floor disorder symptoms and to investigate whether severity of pelvic floor myofascial pain on examination correlates with degree of pelvic floor disorder symptom bother. STUDY DESIGN All new patients seen at 1 tertiary referral center between 2014 and 2016 were included in this retrospectively assembled cross-sectional study. Pelvic floor myofascial pain was determined by transvaginal palpation of the bilateral obturator internus and levator ani muscles and scored as a discrete number on an 11-point verbal pain rating scale (range, 0-10) at each site. Scores were categorized as none (0), mild (1-3), moderate (4-6), and severe (7-10) for each site. Pelvic floor disorder symptom bother was assessed by the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory short form scores. The correlation between these 2 measures was calculated using Spearman rank and partial rank correlation coefficients. RESULTS A total of 912 new patients were evaluated. After exclusion of 79 with an acute urinary tract infection, 833 patients were included in the final analysis. Pelvic floor myofascial pain (pain rated >0 in any muscle group) was identified in 85.0% of patients: 50.4% rated as severe, 25.0% moderate, and 9.6% mild. In unadjusted analyses and those adjusted for postmenopausal status, severity of pelvic floor myofascial pain was significantly correlated with subjective prolapse symptoms such as pelvic pressure and heaviness but not with objective prolapse symptoms (seeing or feeling a vaginal bulge or having to push up on a bulge to start or complete urination) or leading edge. Severity of myofascial pain at several individual pelvic floor sites was also independently correlated with lower urinary tract symptoms, including pain in the lower abdomen (myofascial pain at all sites) and difficulty emptying the bladder (right obturator internus and left levator ani); and with defecatory dysfunction, including sensation of incomplete rectal emptying (pain at all sites combined and the right obturator internus), anal incontinence to flatus (pain at all sites combined), and pain with defecation (pain at all sites combined, and the right obturator internus and left levator ani). CONCLUSION Pelvic floor myofascial pain was common in patients seeking evaluation for pelvic floor disorder symptoms. Location and severity of pelvic floor myofascial pain was significantly correlated with degree of symptom bother, even after controlling for postmenopausal status. Given the high prevalence of pelvic floor myofascial pain in these patients and correlation between pain severity and degree of symptom bother, a routine assessment for pelvic floor myofascial pain should be considered for all patients presenting for evaluation of pelvic floor symptoms.
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Development of a standardized, reproducible screening examination for assessment of pelvic floor myofascial pain. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 220:255.e1-255.e9. [PMID: 30527941 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.11.1106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pelvic floor myofascial pain is common, but physical examination methods to assess pelvic floor muscles are defined poorly. We hypothesized that a simple, transvaginal pelvic floor examination could be developed that would be highly reproducible among providers and would adequately screen for the presence of pelvic floor myofascial pain. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to develop a simple, reproducible pelvic floor examination to screen for pelvic floor myofascial pain. STUDY DESIGN A screening examination was developed by Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery subspecialists and women's health physical therapists at our institution and tested in a simulated patient. We recruited 35 new patients who underwent examinations by blinded, paired, independent examiners. Agreement was calculated with the use of percent agreement and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS The final examination protocol begins with examination of the following external sites: bilateral sacroiliac joints, medial edge of the anterior superior iliac spine, and cephalad edge of the pubic symphysis (self-reported pain: yes/no). The internal examination follows with palpation of each muscle group in the center of the muscle belly, then along the length of the muscle proceeding counter-clockwise: right obturator internus, right levator ani, left levator ani, left obturator internus (pain on a scale of 0-10). Thirty-five patients were enrolled. Correlation was high at each external (0.80-0.89) and internal point (0.63-0.87; P<.0001). CONCLUSION Our newly developed, standardized, reproducible examination incorporates assessment of internal and external points to screen for pelvic floor myofascial pain. The examination is straightforward and reproducible and allows for easy use in clinical practice.
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Dufour S, Vandyken B, Forget MJ, Vandyken C. Association between lumbopelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction in women: A cross sectional study. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2018; 34:47-53. [PMID: 29268147 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence, cost and disability associated with lumbopelvic pain continues to rise despite the range of available therapeutic interventions, indicating a deficiency in current approaches. A literature base highlighting a correlation between lumbopelvic pain and pelvic floor function is developing; however, the features that characterize this correlation have yet to be fully established. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of pelvic floor muscle function among women with lumbopelvic pain. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on non-pregnant women presenting with lumbopelvic pain to one of seven outpatient orthopaedic clinics in Canada. Potential participants underwent a screening process to assess for pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. RESULTS A total of 182 women were recruited and 97 were excluded, leaving 85 participants (n = 85). Of these, 95.3% were determined to have some form of pelvic floor dysfunction. Specifically, 71% of the participants had pelvic floor muscle tenderness, 66% had pelvic floor weakness and 41% were found to have a pelvic organ prolapse. Participants with combined low back pain and pelvic girdle pain presented with higher levels of disability and increased characteristics of pelvic floor dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Our findings corroborate and extend recent research supporting the hypothesis that a high proportion of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction is present among women with lumbopelvic pain. Specifically, increased pelvic floor muscle pressure-pain sensitivity represented the most frequent characteristic, the clinical implications of which require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinéad Dufour
- McMaster University, School of Rehabilitation Science, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Brittany Vandyken
- McMaster University, School of Rehabilitation Science, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Berghmans B. Physiotherapy for pelvic pain and female sexual dysfunction: an untapped resource. Int Urogynecol J 2018; 29:631-638. [PMID: 29318334 PMCID: PMC5913379 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-017-3536-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction and hypothesis Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women is a complex syndrome. Pain sensation and intensity often do not correspond with the identified lesion location but are felt elsewhere, leading to muskuloskeletal and myofascial disorders and sexual dysfunction (SD). Although physical aspects are prevalent, they are often underdiagnosed and undertreated due to lack of understanding regarding its origin and distribution. Frequently, patients experience pelvic pain as psychological distress resulting in physical complaints, leading clinicians to prescribe medication or surgical intervention to correct or alleviate these symptoms, often with insufficient results. Because pelvic floor muscle disorders contribute significantly to CPP and SD, there is rationale for physiotherapy. However, physiotherapy is a widely underused and untapped resource, which has its place in the multidisciplinary approach to these health problems. Methods Computer-aided and manual searches and methodological quality assessment were carried out for meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 1990 and 2017 investigating classification, assessment, and (physiotherapeutic) treatment of pelvic pain and/or female SD defined by the keywords below. Expert opinions were sought via interviews. Results Due to a lack of sufficient relevant medical information, referral data, and test results, focused physiotherapy is difficult to administer adequately. However, recent quality studies indicate significant clinical effects of physiotherapy for CPP and female SD, and experts advocate a multidisciplinary approach that includes physiotherapy. Conclusions Because of its holistic approach, physiotherapy can contribute significantly to the multidisciplinary assessment and treatment of CPP and female SD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bary Berghmans
- Pelvic Care Center Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P.O.Box 5800, 6202 az, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Restoring vaginal function in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Menopause 2017; 25:106-108. [PMID: 28926510 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Menopause practitioners are often asked to help postmenopausal women restore vaginal health and function. A common scenario is the postmenopausal woman who has been without a sexual partner for many years and is now about to resume or has already unsuccessfully attempted penetrative sexual activity. This Practice Pearl addresses the pathophysiology and effect of atrophic genital changes and offers advice on how vaginal health and comfortable sexual activity can be restored.
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Kim JH, Kim E, Kim BI. Pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the superior hypogastric plexus in an interstitial cystitis patient with chronic pain and symptoms refractory to oral and intravesical medications and bladder hydrodistension: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e5549. [PMID: 27930554 PMCID: PMC5266026 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000005549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE A variety of therapeutic modalities are available for the treatment of interstitial cystitis. However, among them, the less invasive therapies are usually ineffective, whereas the invasive ones carry potential risks of serious side effects and complications. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment of the superior hypogastric plexus may be an alternative to conventional treatments, as it provides nondestructive neuromodulation to the superior hypogastric plexus, which transmits the majority of pain signals from the pelvic viscera. PATIENT CONCERNS For 7 years, a 35-year-old female patient had been experiencing lower abdominal pain provoked by urinary bladder filling, perivulvar pain developing spontaneously during sleep or upon postural change, urinary urgency and frequency with 15- to 60-min intervals between urinations, and nocturia with 10 voids per night. Hydrodistension of the bladder, monthly intravesical administration of sterile sodium chondroitin sulfate, and oral medications including gabapentin and pentosan polysulfate had not been effective in managing the pain and symptoms. DIAGNOSES AND INTERVENTIONS Given the satisfactory result of a diagnostic block of the superior hypogastric plexus, 2 sessions of PRF treatment of the superior hypogastric plexus, which applied radiofrequency pulses with a pulse frequency of 2 Hz and a pulse width of 20 ms for 120 s twice per session to maintain the tissue temperature near the electrode at 42°C, were performed at a 6-month interval. OUTCOMES This treatment relieved the pain and symptoms for 2 years and 6 months. LESSONS PRF treatment of the superior hypogastric plexus results in long-term improvements in the pain and symptoms associated with interstitial cystitis.
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Mieritz RM, Thorhauge K, Forman A, Mieritz HB, Hartvigsen J, Christensen HW. Musculoskeletal Dysfunctions in Patients With Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Preliminary Descriptive Survey. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2016; 39:616-622. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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El-Hefnawy AS, Makharita MY, Abed A, Amr YM, Salah El-Badry M, Shaaban AA. Anesthetic Bladder Hydrodistention Is Superior to Superior Hypogastric Plexus Neurolysis in Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis-bladder Pain Syndrome: A Prospective Randomized Trial. Urology 2015; 85:1039-1044. [PMID: 25917730 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2015.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate efficacy and safety of superior hypogastric plexus neurolysis (SHN) for treatment of interstitial cystitis (IC)-bladder pain syndrome (BPS) in comparison with bladder hydrodistention (HD). MATERIALS AND METHODS In a prospective study, 24 female patients were randomly allocated to receive either SHN or HD. Patients were evaluated by recording the O'Leary-Sant IC symptom indices, IC problem indices, pain visual analog scale (VAS), number of daytime frequency, and nocturia. Pressure flow study was conducted for all patients. Intraoperative and postoperative changes and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS Basal IC symptom indices, IC problem indices, and VAS scores were comparable between both groups (P = .31, .63, and .94, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups with respect to urodynamic parameters. Only pain VAS at first week was improved in SHN in comparison with HD (P = .012). Thereafter, all parameters were significantly improved in favor of the HD group at 2- and 4-week visits. Adverse events in both groups were ranked as Grade 1 Clavien-Dindo classification including transient hematuria in the HD group and transient back ache in the SHN group. CONCLUSION Despite effective pain control in cases with IC-BPS after SHN, it lacks durability. It seems that SHN in its current form is not to be a suitable line of treatment for IC-BPS. Multimodality treatment would be needed for proper control of patients' symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed S El-Hefnawy
- Urology Department, Urology and Nephrology Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Y Makharita
- Anesthesia and Surgical Intensive Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Abed
- Urology Department, Urology and Nephrology Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Yasser M Amr
- Department of Anesthesia and Surgical Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Attallah A Shaaban
- Urology Department, Urology and Nephrology Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Nourmoussavi M, Bodmer‐Roy S, Mui J, Mawji N, Williams C, Allaire C, Yong PJ. Bladder Base Tenderness in the Etiology of Deep Dyspareunia. J Sex Med 2014; 11:3078-84. [DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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16
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Pérez-López FR, Ornat L, Ceausu I, Depypere H, Erel CT, Lambrinoudaki I, Schenck-Gustafsson K, Simoncini T, Tremollieres F, Rees M. EMAS position statement: Management of uterine fibroids. Maturitas 2014; 79:106-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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17
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Arendt-Nielsen L, Madsen H, Jarrell J, Gregersen H, Drewes AM. Pain evoked by distension of the uterine cervix in women with dysmenorrhea: evidence for central sensitization. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2014; 93:741-8. [DOI: 10.1111/aogs.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interactions (SMI); Department of Health Science and Technology; School of Medicine; Aalborg University; Aalborg Denmark
| | - Hans Madsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Aalborg University Hospital; Aalborg Denmark
| | - John Jarrell
- Calgary Chronic Pain Centre and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University of Calgary; Calgary Alberta Canada
| | - Hans Gregersen
- Mech-Sense; Department of Gastroenterology; Aalborg University Hospital; Aalborg Denmark
| | - Asbjørn M. Drewes
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interactions (SMI); Department of Health Science and Technology; School of Medicine; Aalborg University; Aalborg Denmark
- Mech-Sense; Department of Gastroenterology; Aalborg University Hospital; Aalborg Denmark
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18
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Pastore EA, Katzman WB. Recognizing myofascial pelvic pain in the female patient with chronic pelvic pain. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2012; 41:680-91. [PMID: 22862153 PMCID: PMC3492521 DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2012.01404.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofascial pelvic pain (MFPP) is a major component of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and often is not properly identified by health care providers. The hallmark diagnostic indicator of MFPP is myofascial trigger points in the pelvic floor musculature that refer pain to adjacent sites. Effective treatments are available to reduce MFPP, including myofascial trigger point release, biofeedback, and electrical stimulation. An interdisciplinary team is essential for identifying and successfully treating MFPP.
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19
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20
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Kavvadias T, Baessler K, Schuessler B. Pelvic pain in urogynecology. Part II: treatment options in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. Int Urogynecol J 2012; 23:553-61. [PMID: 22270729 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-011-1649-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2011] [Accepted: 12/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic options for chronic pelvic pain in women offer only a limited symptom relief. Especially in the patient with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), where overlap of pain, storage and voiding symptoms is common, data on the efficacy of treatment of pain are limited. We conducted a literature review to detect articles which pertained to female patients with LUTS and pelvic pain and we included articles which evaluated the efficacy of the treatment of pelvic pain. Forty-one articles were detected, which included nerve stimulation (sacral and pudendal), intravesical instillations and injections, oral pharmacological treatments, periurethral injections as well as physical and manual therapy as treatment options. Only five controlled trials were found, which did not show superiority of the active treatment versus placebo. Although some treatment options show promising results in the treatment of pelvic pain in patients with LUTS, more randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.
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