Physiotherapy management of patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP): A systematic review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the current evidence on physiotherapy, including Thiele massage, for managing chronic pelvic pain (CPP).
Results Summary
The review found that Thiele massage, among other physiotherapy interventions, showed significant improvements in pain assessment for CPP patients, though the overall evidence was sparse with methodological flaws.
Population
Patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Trigger point therapy | decrease | pain measurement | patients with CPP | - | significant change | #1 |
biofeedback | decrease | pain assessment | patients with CPP | - | significant improvements | #2 |
Thiele massage | decrease | pain assessment | patients with CPP | - | significant improvements | #3 |
Mensendieck somatocognitive therapy | decrease | pain assessment | patients with CPP | - | significant improvements | #4 |
aerobic exercises | decrease | pain assessment | patients with CPP | - | significant improvements | #5 |
INTRODUCTION: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common pain condition. However, treatment remains challenging. Musculoskeletal findings are frequent; therefore physiotherapy might be helpful. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the current evidence on physiotherapy in patients with CPP (PROSPERO registration number CRD42016037516). METHODS: Six databases were searched and additional hand searches were performed. Two reviewers independently conducted the database search and selected studies using a two-step approach. The methodological quality was assessed applying the Critical Review Form - Quantitative Studies. RESULTS: A total of eight studies were included. Trigger point therapy was examined in four studies; two of which were randomized controlled trials. All studies indicate a significant change in pain measurement. The other four studies evaluated the effect of biofeedback, Thiele massage, Mensendieck somatocognitive therapy and aerobic exercises, whereas the last two were tested in controlled trials. All studies showed significant improvements in pain assessment. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence currently available is sparse with methodological flaws, making it difficult to recommend a specific physiotherapy option. There is an urgent need for high-quality randomized controlled trials to identify the most effective physiotherapy management strategy for patients with CPP.