Recognizing myofascial pelvic pain in the female patient with chronic pelvic pain

J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2012 Sep-Oct;41(5):680-91. doi: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2012.01404.x. Epub 2012 Aug 3.

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.

Keywords: chronic pelvic pain; myofascial pelvic pain; myofascial trigger points.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Chronic Pain / diagnosis*
  • Chronic Pain / therapy
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Exercise Therapy / methods*
  • Feedback
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Myofascial Pain Syndromes / diagnosis*
  • Myofascial Pain Syndromes / therapy
  • Pelvic Pain / diagnosis*
  • Pelvic Pain / therapy
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trigger Points