Myofascial pelvic pain

Theresa Monaco Spitznagle; Caitlin McCurdy Robinson

doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2014.04.003

Myofascial pelvic pain

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2014 Sep;41(3):409-32. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2014.04.003. Epub 2014 Jul 9.

Authors

Theresa Monaco Spitznagle¹, Caitlin McCurdy Robinson²

Affiliations

¹ Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, 4444 Forest Park, Box 8502, St Louis, MO 63108-2212, USA. Electronic address: spitznaglet@wustl.edu.
² Sullivan Physical Therapy, Austin, TX 78750, USA.

PMID: 25155122
DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2014.04.003

Abstract

Individuals with pelvic pain commonly present with complaints of pain located anywhere below the umbilicus radiating to the top of their thighs or genital region. The somatovisceral convergence that occurs within the pelvic region exemplifies why examination of not only the organs but also the muscles, connective tissues (fascia), and neurologic input to the region should be performed for women with pelvic pain. The susceptibility of the pelvic floor musculature to the development of myofascial pain has been attributed to unique functional demands of this muscle. Conservative interventions should be considered to address the impairments found on physical examination.

Keywords: Myofascial pain syndrome; Pelvic pain; Somatovisceral convergence.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Chronic Pain
Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
Humans
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms / etiology
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms / therapy
Myofascial Pain Syndromes* / complications
Myofascial Pain Syndromes* / diagnosis
Myofascial Pain Syndromes* / therapy
Pain Measurement / methods*
Pelvic Floor / physiopathology*
Pelvic Pain* / diagnosis
Pelvic Pain* / etiology
Pelvic Pain* / therapy
Physical Examination / methods*
Physical Therapy Modalities
Treatment Outcome