Pelvic floor spasm as a cause of voiding dysfunction.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to review the evidence on pelvic floor spasm and its association with voiding dysfunction, including the role of trigger point massage in pain relief.
Results Summary
The study found that trigger point massage relieves pain in some patients with pelvic floor spasm, though it is part of a broader multidisciplinary approach. Other treatments like Botulinum toxin A and sacral neuromodulation were also noted for refractory cases.
Population
Patients with pelvic floor disorders, including those with nonrelaxing pelvic floor or hypertonicity, voiding dysfunction, and pelvic pain.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
video urodynamics study and/or electromyography | neutral | distinguish between the different causes of voiding dysfunction | - | - | is often required | #1 |
patient education, behavioral modifications, lifestyle changes, and pelvic floor rehabilitation/physical therapy | neutral | conservative measures | - | - | include | #2 |
Trigger point massage and injections | decrease | pain | some patients | - | relieves | #3 |
Botulinum toxin A, sacral neuromodulation, and acupuncture | neutral | refractory symptoms | patients | - | has been reported in the management of | #4 |
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pelvic floor disorders can present with lower urinary tract symptoms, bowel, sexual dysfunction, and/or pain. Symptoms of pelvic muscle spasm (nonrelaxing pelvic floor or hypertonicity) vary and can be difficult to recognize. This makes diagnosis and management of these disorders challenging. In this article, we review the current evidence on pelvic floor spasm and its association with voiding dysfunction. RECENT FINDINGS: To distinguish between the different causes of voiding dysfunction, a video urodynamics study and/or electromyography is often required. Conservative measures include patient education, behavioral modifications, lifestyle changes, and pelvic floor rehabilitation/physical therapy. Disease-specific pelvic pain and pain from pelvic floor spasm needs to be differentiated and treated specifically. Trigger point massage and injections relieves pain in some patients. Botulinum toxin A, sacral neuromodulation, and acupuncture has been reported in the management of patients with refractory symptoms. SUMMARY: Pelvic floor spasm and associated voiding problems are heterogeneous in their pathogenesis and are therefore often underrecognized and undertreated; it is therefore essential that a therapeutic strategy needs to be personalized to the individual patient's requirements. Therefore, careful evaluation and assessment of individuals using a multidisciplinary team approach including a trained physical therapist/nurse clinician is essential in the management of these patients.