MUSCULOSKELETAL FACTORS IN CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN

Physical therapists were consulted in the evaluation and treatment of 132 chronic pelvic pain (CPP) patients. The majority of the CPP patients reported complete or significant relief of symptoms in response to physical therapy treatment. The physical therapy evaluations revealed a common pattern of faulty posture in the women with CPP. The faulty posture pattern was labeled 'Typical Pelvic Pain Posture'. Common patterns of muscle imbalance and joint mobility restrictions were noted in association with the faulty posture pattern. Similar lifestyle factors related to faulty posture were also noted in the majority of the cases. These data suggest that patients with CPP, particularly those with normal laparoscopy or persistent pain after definitive gynaecologic surgery, may benefit from careful musculoskeletal evaluation by a physical therapist.