Efectividad de la rehabilitación multimodal (biofeedback más radiofrecuencia capacitiva-resistiva) sobre el dolor pélvico crónico y la dispareunia: estudio prospectivo y revisión de la bibliografía / Effectiveness of multimodal rehabilitation (biofeedback plus capacitive-resistive radiofrequency) on chronic pelvic pain and dyspareunia: prospective study and literature review

OBJETIVO: Demostrar si un protocolo de rehabilitación multimodal (biofeedback [BFB] más radiofrecuencia [RF] capacitiva-resistiva [INDIBA®]) disminuye el dolor y aumenta la fuerza muscular en los pacientes con dolor pélvico crónico (DPC) y dispareunia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo cuasiexperimental tipo antes-después a 37 pacientes con DPC y/o dispareunia derivados al Servicio de Rehabilitación del Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina (enero-2016 a diciembre-2018). El protocolo consistió en 8 sesiones de ejercicios de musculatura del suelo pélvico asistido con BFB manométrico (ejercicios tónicos/fásicos 15min, respectivamente) supervisado por fisioterapeuta, seguido de RF bipolar capacitiva (5min)/resistiva (10min) a nivel suprapúbico y perineovaginal. Las variables evaluadas fueron el dolor (EVA 0-10) y la fuerza (mmHg) de la musculatura del suelo pélvico al inicio/término del tratamiento. RESULTADOS: Edad media, 41,5±12,65 años. Es más frecuente entre los 21-40 años (n=20, 54%) y los 41-60 años (n=12; 32.4%). Dispareunia, n=34 (91,8%); DPC inespecífico, n=3 (8,2%). El protocolo mejoró el dolor (de 7,27±1,34 a 3,75±2,21 puntos), la fuerza muscular máxima (de 25,56±15,9mmHg a 35,35±20,4mmHg) y la media (de 4,86±3,53mmHg a 7,18±4,46mmHg), respectivamente (p < 0,0001). CONCLUSIÓN: EL DPC y la dispareunia suponen un reto diagnóstico que requiere un manejo multidisciplinario. El tratamiento debe iniciarse precozmente y con la asociación de diferentes modalidades terapéuticas. El protocolo de rehabilitación multimodal que incluye al BFB y a la RF capacitiva-resistiva disminuye el dolor y mejora la fuerza en los pacientes con DPC y dispareunia

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a multimodal rehabilitation protocol (Biofeedback [BFB] plus capacitive-resistive [INDIBA®] radiofrequency [RF]) reduces pain and increases muscular strength in patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and dyspareunia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a prospective, quasi-experimental, before-after study in 37 patients with CPP and/or dyspareunia referred to the Rehabilitation Department of Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina (January 2016 to December 2018). The protocol consisted of 8 sessions of pelvic floor exercises assisted by manometric BFB (15min of tonic/phasic exercises each) supervised by a physiotherapist, followed by suprapubic and perineovaginal bipolar RF [capacitive(5 min)/resistive(10 min)]. The variables evaluated were pain (VAS 0-10) and strength (mmHg) of the pelvic floor musculature and the start/end of the treatment. RESULTS: The mean age was 41.5±12.65 years. The prevalence was higher among women aged 21-40 years (n=20, 54%) and those aged 41-60 years (n=12; 32.4%). Dyspareunia was present in 34 patients (91.8%), and non-specific CPP in 3 (8.2%). The protocol improved pain (from 7.27±1.34 to 3.75±2.21 points), maximal muscular strength (from 25.56±15.9mmHg to 35.35±20.4mmHg) and mean muscular strength (from 4.86±3.53mmHg to 7.18±4.46mmHg) respectively (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: CPP and dyspareunia are a diagnostic challenge that requires multidisciplinary management. Treatment should be started early and should consist of distinct therapeutic modalities. The protocol of multimodal rehabilitation including BFB and capacitive-resistive RF reduces pain and improves strength in patients with CPP and dyspareunia

[Effectiveness of multimodal rehabilitation (biofeedback plus capacitive-resistive radiofrequency) on chronic pelvic pain and dyspareunia: prospective study and literature review]. / Efectividad de la rehabilitación multimodal (biofeedback más radiofrecuencia capacitiva-resistiva) sobre el dolor pélvico crónico y la dispareunia: estudio prospectivo y revisión de la bibliografía.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a multimodal rehabilitation protocol (Biofeedback [BFB] plus capacitive-resistive [INDIBA®] radiofrequency [RF]) reduces pain and increases muscular strength in patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and dyspareunia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a prospective, quasi-experimental, before-after study in 37 patients with CPP and/or dyspareunia referred to the Rehabilitation Department of Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina (January 2016 to December 2018). The protocol consisted of 8 sessions of pelvic floor exercises assisted by manometric BFB (15min of tonic/phasic exercises each) supervised by a physiotherapist, followed by suprapubic and perineovaginal bipolar RF [capacitive(5 min)/resistive(10 min)]. The variables evaluated were pain (VAS 0-10) and strength (mmHg) of the pelvic floor musculature and the start/end of the treatment. RESULTS: The mean age was 41.5±12.65 years. The prevalence was higher among women aged 21-40 years (n=20, 54%) and those aged 41-60 years (n=12; 32.4%). Dyspareunia was present in 34 patients (91.8%), and non-specific CPP in 3 (8.2%). The protocol improved pain (from 7.27±1.34 to 3.75±2.21 points), maximal muscular strength (from 25.56±15.9mmHg to 35.35±20.4mmHg) and mean muscular strength (from 4.86±3.53mmHg to 7.18±4.46mmHg) respectively (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: CPP and dyspareunia are a diagnostic challenge that requires multidisciplinary management. Treatment should be started early and should consist of distinct therapeutic modalities. The protocol of multimodal rehabilitation including BFB and capacitive-resistive RF reduces pain and improves strength in patients with CPP and dyspareunia.

Effects of an Individualized Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program on Impaired Postural Control in Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of an individualized comprehensive rehabilitation program (ICPR) on impaired postural control, pain, self-perceived health status, and functionality in women with chronic pelvic pain. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Women with chronic pelvic pain were recruited from the Gynecology Department of the University Hospital San Cecilio in Granada, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N=38) who were randomly divided into 2 groups. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention group received an 8-week ICRP, and the control group received a leaflet with ergonomic information. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcomes included were postural control (Mini Balance Evaluation Systems [Mini BESTest] and timed Up and Go [TUG]), pain (Brief Pain Inventory), self-perceived health status (EuroQol 5 dimensions [EQ-5D]), and functionality (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]). RESULTS: Significant differences were found between groups in the Mini BESTest and TUG scores with large effect sizes. The Brief Pain Inventory, EQ-5D, and ODI also presented significant differences in the between-groups analysis, with better scores in the intervention group after treatment. In the follow-up analysis, significant differences were found between groups in the Mini BESTest (P<.001), the cognitive TUG subscale (P=.032), interference of pain (P<.001), anxiety and depression (P=.001), and visual analog scale EQ-5D (P=.026) subscales, as well as the ODI (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show significant improvements on postural control, pain, self-perceived health status, and functionality in women with chronic pelvic pain who received an 8-week ICRP.

Stabilization exercise affects function of transverse abdominis and pelvic floor muscles in women with postpartum lumbo-pelvic pain: a double-blinded randomized clinical trial study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Lumbo-pelvic pain (LPP) is a common disorder in women after pregnancy due to ligament laxity and postural changes. Transverse abdominis (TrA) and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activity is important for lumbo-pelvic stability. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of stabilization exercise (SE) and general exercise (GE) on TrA and PFM muscle activity and pain intensity in women with postpartum LPP. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial study was conducted on 68 women with postpartum LPP. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of stabilization exercise (SE) and general exercise (GE) and received either SE or GE exercise for 8 weeks three times a week. Ultrasound imaging was utilized to measure the thickness change of TrA muscles during abdominal hollowing (AH) and bladder base displacement. These measurements were used as an indicator of TrA and PFM muscle activity. Pain intensity, thickness changes of the TrA muscle and bladder base displacement were measured pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: The results showed that there was no significant difference in pain relief after intervention between groups. The differences in TrA and PFM activity between groups were significant (P < 0.05). PFM and TrA muscle activity was significantly increased after SE in women with postpartum LPP (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SE improved both PFM and TrA muscle function more than GE in women with postpartum LPP. However, the clinical outcome of pain relief was not greater in the SE group.

Factors Associated With Nonadherence to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Referral for the Treatment of Pelvic Pain in Women.

BACKGROUND: Patients with pelvic pain due to pelvic floor myofascial pain syndrome are often referred for pelvic floor physical therapy, the primary treatment option. However, many patients do not adhere to the treatment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the adherence rate and outcomes of patients referred for physical therapy for pelvic floor myofascial pain syndrome and identify risk factors associated with nonadherence. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. METHODS: ICD-9 codes were used to identify a cohort of patients with pelvic floor myofascial pain syndrome during a 2-year time period within a single provider's clinical practice. Medical records were abstracted to obtain information on referral to physical therapy, associated comorbidities and demographics, and clinical outcomes. "Primary outcomes" was defined as attendance of at least 1 visit. Secondary outcomes included attendance of at least 6 physical therapist visits and overall improvement in pain. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square, Fisher exact, and independent t tests. Nonparametric comparisons were performed using Wilcoxon signed rank test. Multivariate analysis was completed to adjust for confounders. RESULTS: Of the 205 patients, 140 (68%) attended at least 1 session with physical therapy. At least 6 visits were attended by 68 (33%) patients. Factors associated with poor adherence included parity and a preexisting psychiatric diagnosis. The odds of attending at least 1 visit were 0.75 (95% confidence interval = 0.62-0.90) and 0.44 (95% confidence interval = 0.21-0.90), respectively. Patients who attended ≥ 6 visits were more likely to have private insurance (78%) and travel shorter distances to a therapist (mean = 16 miles vs 22). Patients with an improvement in pain (compared with those who were unchanged) attended an average of 3 extra physical therapist visits (mean = 6.9 vs 3.1). LIMITATIONS: Limitations include reliance on medical records for data integrity; a patient population derived from a single clinic, reducing the generalizability of the results; the age of the data (2010-2012); and the likely interrelatedness of many of the variables. It is possible that maternal parity and psychiatric diagnoses are partial surrogates for social, logistic, or economic constraints and patient confidence. CONCLUSIONS: Initial adherence to pelvic floor physical therapy was less likely for multiparous women and women with a history of psychiatric diagnosis. Persistent adherence was more likely with private insurance or if the physical therapist location was closer. Pain improvement correlated with increased number of physical therapist sessions.

How Does Myofascial Physical Therapy Attenuate Pain in Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome?

Background: Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is a multifactorial disorder comprising structural and functional muscular abnormalities, a dysfunctional pain system, and psychological distress. Myofascial physical Therapy (MPT) that is targeted at improving pelvic muscle functioning is considered a first line nonpharmacological treatment for CPPS, although the precise mechanisms that lead to symptoms alleviation have not yet been elucidated. Purpose: This longitudinal study aimed to examine the local and systemic effects of MPT intervention, including biopsychophysiological processes, among CPPS patients. Methods: The study included 50 CPPS women. Morphologic assessment of the levator ani and quantitative sensory testing of the pain system were applied alongside with evaluation of pain-related psychological factors using designated questionnaires. All measures were evaluated both before and after MPT in 39 patients. The long-term effects of MPT were evaluated by clinical pain reports obtained at 3 and 9 months following MPT that were compared with a nontreated group of 11 untreated CPPS women. Results: Along with an improvement in the clinical pain intensity (p = 0.001) and sensitivity to experimental pain tests (p = 0.001) following MPT, the results also indicate that MPT has anatomical, psychological, and social therapeutic effects (p = 0.04; p = 0.001; p = 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, clinical pain evaluation at 3 and 9 months after MPT revealed a significant improvement in women who received treatment (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The findings of this pilot study suggest multisystemic (direct and indirect anatomical, neurophysiological, and psychological) effects of MPT on the multifactorial pain disorder of CPPS and therefore place MPT as a mechanism-based intervention.

The Effect of Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Disability, and Pelvic Floor Muscle Function in Postpartum Lumbopelvic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of stabilization exercises on pain, disability, and pelvic floor muscle function in postpartum lumbopelvic pain. DESIGN: This is a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: This study was performed at the physiotherapy clinic, Zahedan University of Medical Science, from January to November 2017. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-six multiparous women with persistent postpartum lumbopelvic pain were recruited at least 3 mos after delivery. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects in the training group (n = 18) received electrotherapy modalities and specific stabilizing exercises. The control group (n = 18) received only electrotherapy modalities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain, disability, and bladder base displacement (at rest and pelvic floor muscles contraction) were measured through visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index questionnaires, and transabdominal ultrasound imaging respectively at baseline and after 6 wks of intervention. RESULTS: Between-groups comparison showed significant improvement in pain, disability, and bladder base displacement in the training group (P < 0.05). In within-group comparison, training group had significant difference for all variables (P < 0.05). In the control group, pain and disability had significant difference (P < 0.05), whereas bladder base displacement had no significant change (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The stabilizing exercises can remarkably improve pain, disability, and pelvic floor muscles function in postpartum lumbopelvic pain (Clinical Trial Registry: NCT03030846).

Clinical Examination, Diagnostic Imaging, and Testing of Athletes With Groin Pain: An Evidence-Based Approach to Effective Management.

Synopsis Groin pain is common in athletes who participate in multidirectional sports and has traditionally been considered a difficult problem to understand, diagnose, and manage. This may be due to sparse historical focus on this complex region in sports medicine. Until recently, there has been little agreement regarding terminology, definitions, and classification of groin pain in athletes. This has made clear communication between clinicians difficult, and the results of research difficult to interpret and implement into practice. However, during the past decade, the field has evolved rapidly, and an evidence-based understanding is now emerging. This clinical commentary discusses the clinical examination (subjective history, screening, physical examination); imaging; testing of impairments, function, and performance; and management of athletes with groin pain in an evidence-based framework. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(4):239-249. Epub 6 Mar 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.7850.

Clinical and biomechanical outcomes of rehabilitation targeting intersegmental control in athletic groin pain: prospective cohort of 205 patients.

BACKGROUND: Clinical assessments and rehabilitation in athletic groin pain (AGP) have focused on specific anatomical structures and uniplanar impairments rather than whole body movement. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of rehabilitation that targeted intersegmental control in patients with AGP and to investigate post rehabilitation changes in cutting biomechanics. METHODS: Two hundred and five patients with AGP were rehabilitated focusing on clinical assessment of intersegmental control, linear running and change of direction mechanics in this prospective case series. Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) was the primary outcome measure. Secondary measures included pain-free return to play rates and times, pain provocation on squeeze tests and three-dimensional (3D) biomechanical analysis during a 110° cutting manoeuvre. RESULTS: Following rehabilitation, patients demonstrated clinically relevant improvements in HAGOS scores (effect size (ES): 0.6-1.7). 73% of patients returned to play pain-free at a mean of 9.9 weeks (±3.5). Squeeze test values also improved (ES: 0.49-0.68). Repeat 3D analysis of the cutting movement demonstrated reductions in ipsilateral trunk side flexion (ES: 0.79) and increased pelvic rotation in the direction of travel (ES: 0.76). Changes to variables associated with improved cutting performance: greater centre of mass translation in the direction of travel relative to centre of pressure (ES: 0.4), reduced knee flexion angle (ES: 0.3) and increased ankle plantar flexor moment (ES: 0.48) were also noted. CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation focused on intersegmental control was associated with improved HAGOS scores, high rates of pain-free return to sporting participation and biomechanical changes associated with improved cutting performance across a range of anatomical diagnoses seen in AGP.

Nueva técnica de radiofrecuencia pulsada en el tratamiento del dolor pélvico crónico. Presentación de dos casos / New pulsed radiofrequency technique for the management of chronic pelvic pain. Report of two cases

Introducción: La neuromodulación de las raíces sacras se ha mostrado eficaz en el tratamiento del dolor pélvico crónico (DPC) refractario a tratamiento farmacológico. En estos pacientes y parece existir un importante grado de sensibilización central. La radiofrecuencia pulsada ha demostrado su utilidad en múltiples cuadros de dolor neuropático. Una modificación de la técnica de radiofrecuencia pulsada (RFP) vía caudal, propuesta por Rohof para el tratamiento de pacientes con sensibilización central, intentando concentrar los impulsos electromagnéticos sobre las vías nerviosas aferentes y eferentes que inervan las distintas estructuras pélvicas, quizá pudiera ser efectiva en el tratamiento de estos pacientes. En este artículo se presentan dos pacientes con DPC refractario a otros tratamientos previos que han respondido adecuadamente a la RFP vía caudal de raíces sacras. Material y métodos: Se presentan dos casos de pacientes con DPC con escasa respuesta previa a distintos tratamientos conservadores e intervencionistas clásicos. Se realiza RFP vía caudal de raíces sacras, con una cánula recta, con control de temperatura (electrodo extraíble Cosman(R) modelo CC152020) situando su punta, mediante control radiológico, a nivel S3 y colocando la placa dispersiva sobre la unión sacro lumbar. Tras la RFP se realiza inyección posterior de anestésico local y corticoide a través de la cánula. Se evalúa a los pacientes cada tres meses hasta el momento actual. Resultados: Tras la aplicación de esta técnica, ambos pacientes refieren disminución de la intensidad del dolor en la escala NRS (de 8-9/10 a 2-3/10), así como un grado de alivio de hasta el 80 %, afirmando haber obtenido con esta técnica el mayor grado de satisfacción logrado hasta el momento con una mayor duración del mismo. Conclusión: La RFP de raíces sacras vía caudal puede suponer una nueva, sencilla, útil y segura alternativa terapéutica en pacientes con DPC (AU)

Introduction: Sacral root neuromodulation has been known as a well-established method of managing intractable chronic pelvic pain (CPP), where it seems to exist an important degree of central sensitization. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) offers applicability to pathological conditions such as neuropathic pain. A modified caudal PRF proposed by Rohof for the treatment of patients with central sensitization, attempting to concentrate the electromagnetic impulses on the afferent and efferent nerve pathways innervating the different pelvic structures, could be an effective treatment. In this paper, we present two patients with refractory CPP and a remarkable pain relief after being treated with this novel technique. Materials and methods: We present the history of two patients with CPP and refractory to both conservative and interventional classic treatments. Caudal PRF is carried out, with a straight temperature-control cannula (Cosman(R) removable electrode CC152020 model), with radiological control, no further than the S3 level and applying the ground pad on the lumbosacral junction. Then, local anesthesia and corticoids are injected through the cannula. Patients are evaluated every three months until the present time. Results: After the application of this technique, both patients reported decreased pain intensity on the NRS scale (from 8-9/10 to 2-3/10), as well as a degree of pain relief up to 80 %, claiming to have obtained the greater degree of satisfaction and prolong effect achieved so far. Conclusion: Caudal PRF of the sacral roots might be used as a new, simple, useful and safe therapeutic alternative in patients with CPP (AU)

Physical Activity and Yoga-Based Approaches for Pregnancy-Related Low Back and Pelvic Pain.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct an integrative review to evaluate current literature about nonpharmacologic, easily accessible management strategies for pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain (PR-LBPP). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. STUDY SELECTION: Original research articles were considered for review if they were full-length publications written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals from 2005 through 2015, included measures of pain and symptoms related to PR-LBPP, and evaluated treatment modalities that used a physical exercise or yoga-based approach for the described conditions. DATA EXTRACTION: Electronic database searches yielded 1,435 articles. A total of 15 articles met eligibility criteria for further review. DATA SYNTHESIS: These modalities show preliminary promise for pain relief and other related symptoms, including stress and depression. However, our findings also indicate several gaps in knowledge about these therapies for PR-LBPP and methodologic issues with the current literature. CONCLUSION: Although additional research is required, the results of this integrative review suggest that clinicians may consider recommending nonpharmacologic treatment options, such as gentle physical activity and yoga-based interventions, for PR-LBPP and related symptoms.

Prospective Outcomes of a Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Program Including Vaginal Electrogalvanic Stimulation for Urinary, Defecatory, and Pelvic Pain Symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated our experience after implementing a pelvic floor rehabilitation program including behavioral modification, biofeedback, and vaginal electrogalvanic stimulation (EGS). METHODS: This prospective cohort study evaluated outcomes of patients with pelvic floor dysfunction (urinary or defecatory dysfunction, pelvic pain/dyspareunia) who underwent pelvic floor rehabilitation. Patients received 4 to 7 sessions (1 every 2 weeks) including biofeedback and concluded with 30 minutes of vaginal EGS. Surveys assessed subjective changes in symptoms; success was evaluated using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) at the final session (10 = most successful). Paired comparisons of responses at baseline and final treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were followed up through therapy completion. Treatment indications included urinary (89.4%), defecatory (33.0%), and pelvic pain or dyspareunia (30.9%); 44.7% of patients had a combination of indications. Among women with urinary symptoms, the percentage reporting leakage decreased from 92.9% to 79.3% (P = 0.001), leakage at least daily decreased from 69.0% to 39.5% (P < 0.001), daily urgency with leakage decreased from 42.7% to 19.5% (P = 0.001), daily urgency without leakage decreased from 41.5% to 18.3% (P < 0.001), and median VAS rating (0 = not at all, 10 = a great deal) of daily life interference decreased from 5 to 1.5 (P < 0.001). The median success ratings were 8, 8, and 7 for treatment of urinary symptoms, pelvic pain/dyspareunia, and bowel symptoms, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: An aggressive pelvic rehabilitation program including biofeedback with vaginal EGS had a high rate of self-reported subjective success and satisfaction and should be considered a nonsurgical treatment option in patients with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Applying the RE-AIM Framework to Evaluate Integrative Medicine Group Visits Among Diverse Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate group medical visits using an integrative health approach for underserved women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). We implemented an integrative medicine program to improve quality of life among women with CPP using Centering, a group-based model that combines healthcare assessment, education, and social support. Patients were from university-affiliated and public hospital-affiliated clinics. We evaluated the program with qualitative and quantitative data to address components of the RE-AIM framework: Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance. Participants of the Centering CPP Program participants (n = 26) were demographically similar to a sample of women with CPP who sought care at Bay Area hospitals (n = 701). Participants were on average 40 years of age, a majority of whom were racial/ethnic minorities with low household income (76%). Women who attended four or more sessions (n = 16) had improved health-related quality of life, including decreases in average number of unhealthy days in the past month (from 24 to 18, p < .05), depressive symptoms (from 11.7 to 9.0, p < .05), and symptom severity (from 4.2 to 3.1, p < .01). Sexual health outcomes also improved (30.5 to 50.3, p = .02). No improvements were observed for pain catastrophizing. Our pilot program provides preliminary data that an integrative health approach using a group-based model can be adapted and implemented to reach diverse women with CPP to improve physical and psychological well-being. Given these promising findings, rigorous evaluation of implementation and effectiveness of this approach compared with usual care is warranted.

Manejo de los conos vaginales en el tratamiento rehabilitador del suelo pélvico / Management of vaginal cones int he treatment of pelvic floor rehabilitation

El suelo pélvico (SP) es el conjunto de músculos encargados del soporte y mantenimiento de los órganos pélvicos en sus posiciones fisiológicas. A lo largo de la vida, esta estructura puede alterarse por situaciones como la gestación, el tipo de parto, las intervenciones quirúrgicas realizadas sobre la zona perineal, la obesidad o el estreñimiento, entre otras. La alteración de la funcionalidad del SP puede dar lugar a la aparición de patologías como los prolapsos genitales, las incontinencias urinarias o el dolor pélvico, que pueden ocasionar una importante alteración en la calidad de vida de la persona que las padece. Los conos vaginales (CV) suponen un método no farmacológico, económico, seguro y no invasivo para el tratamiento efectivo de la disfunción de la musculatura del SP, puesto que permite a la paciente aumentar la conciencia fisiológica de la musculatura de su SP al tiempo que promueve el aumento de la fuerza muscular. La matrona, como profesional íntimamente ligado a la atención de la mujer, forma parte del equipo multidisciplinar encargado del abordaje activo de las disfunciones pélvicas; por ello, debe ofrecer a la mujer información actualizada sobre los CV, asesorando sobre su uso y manejo y estableciendo programas de ejercicios y seguimiento individualizados para cada caso. La evidencia científica disponible acerca de la eficacia de los CV es limitada y señala que pueden existir otros métodos o tratamientos de eficacia semejante para el tratamiento rehabilitador del SP (AU)

The pelvic floor (PF) is a sheet of muscles and other tissues that support the pelvic organs in their physiological positions. Throughout women’s lives, these structures can become weak or be injured by events such as pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, overweight or constipation. PF dysfunction includes a group of disorders causing urinary incontinence, as well as genital prolapse or pelvic pain, and can significantly deteriorate women’s quality of life. Vaginal cones (VC) represent a non-pharmacological, economical, safe and non-invasive method for the treatment of PF dysfunction; they allow the patient to increase the physiological consciousness of the musculature of the PF while promoting an increase in the muscle tone. The midwife, as a professional intimately connected with women’s health care, works with the multidisciplinary team which treats pelvic dysfunctions; therefore, they need to provide updated information about the different methods for improving perineal function, including VC, and providing advice on their use and management, and establishing individualized exercise programs and tracking information for each case. The available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of the VC is limited and there may be other methods to treat PF dysfunctions (AU)

Outcomes of a comprehensive nonsurgical approach to pelvic floor rehabilitation for urinary symptoms, defecatory dysfunction, and pelvic pain.

OBJECTIVE: The authors' intent was to determine the clinical efficacy of comprehensive pelvic floor rehabilitation among women with symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of women referred to an academic female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery practice for PFD. Data were gathered from the records of 778 women referred for pelvic floor therapy for urinary, bowel, pelvic pain, and sexual symptoms over the course of 4 years. RESULTS: Patients who completed at least 5 therapy sessions reported a mean symptom improvement of 80% in each of the 3 main categories analyzed, namely, urinary incontinence, defecatory dysfunction, and pelvic pain. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive, nonoperative management of PFD including pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback, electrogalvanic stimulation, constipation management, behavioral modification, incontinence devices, and pharmacotherapy including vaginal estrogen is effective in the treatment of women with PFD.

[Chronic pelvic pain syndrome: neurostimulation, neuromodulation and acupuncture]. / Chronisches Schmerzsyndrom des Beckens : Neurostimulation, Neuromodulation und Akupunktur.

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is defined by the European Association of Urology guidelines as a non-malignant pain perceived in structures related to the pelvis of either women or men for at least 6 months without proven infection or other obvious pathology. It affects the quality of life of millions of people worldwide and has an impact similar to that reported for other chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, Crohn's disease and congestive heart failure. The treatment of CPPS remains a challenge despite several established first line therapies because many patients are therapy refractory. Unconventional treatments, such as neurostimulation, neuromodulation and acupuncture may be highly successful for treating CPPS and have a favorable adverse event profile. Thus, these promising therapeutic alternatives should be considered more often in daily clinical practice.

Strengthening transversus abdominis in pregnancy related pelvic pain: the pressure biofeedback stabilization training.

UNLABELLED: Pregnancy related pelvic pain (PRPP) refers to musculoskeletal type of persistent posterior pelvic pain during and after pregnancy with feature of reduced endurance capacity for standing, walking and sitting which leads to severe discomfort and considerable impairment of daily activities. OBJECTIVE: To test the effect of pressure biofeedback stabilizer training, on the pain and dysfunction of a thirty year old subject who presented with PRPP. STUDY DESIGN: Single case design. OUTCOME VARIABLES: Oswestry pain and disability index, TrA efficacy. METHODOLOGY: An initial assessment was followed by treatment sessions which consist of 2 phases (Phase A & Phase B). The baseline phase (A) consists of conventional therapeutic exercises while the intervention phase (B) consists of pressure biofeedback training in conjunction with the conventional therapeutic exercises. RESULT: The study data demonstrated that the subject showed minimal improvement in pain, disability and TrA efficacy during the baseline phase and shown a steady improvement in all these variables during the intervention phase. CONCLUSION: Core muscle performance (TrA) can be retrained with pressure biofeedback stabilization training program in subject with PRPP thereby reducing pain and disability.