Renew PT Research Review:
Title of Study Reviewed:
Pelvic Floor Myofascial Trigger Points: Manual Therapy for Interstitial Cystitis and Urgency-Frequency Syndrome
By: Jerome Weiss – The Journal of Urology Dec 2001
Introduction
In a study published by Jerome Weiss MD, 83% of patients with urgency-frequency experienced moderate improvement to complete resolution of symptoms after receiving pelvic floor physical therapy to resolve pelvic trigger points.
Renew PT – Discussion
Trigger points are tender spots within muscle that are caused by acute or repetitive overloading of the muscle. These knot-like spots are often felt in the neck or upper back and cause a burning or stabbing pain. Many people do not realize that the muscles of the pelvic floor are also susceptible to trigger points. Trigger points in the pelvic floor can be activated by stress, organ (visceral) pain, pelvic and hip malalignment, chronic holding or tensioning of pelvic floor muscles, hormonal imbalance prolonged sitting or pressure on the pelvic muscles.
The nerves of the pelvic floor muscles are very close neighbors to the nerves of the bladder within the spinal cord. Unfortunately, trigger points or pain in the pelvic floor can trigger the nerves of the bladder to also become agitated. This is like having a beautiful home but having a bad neighbor. You may love living in your home, but when a bad neighbor moves right next door, your tranquil living may become disturbed.
Conclusion
If you are a person who suffers from interstitial cystitis, urinary urgency or urinary frequency, pelvic floor physical therapy may be the missing link to a pain-free life. Please ask your doctor about pelvic floor physical therapy or contact a pelvic floor physical therapist in your area.
Resources
Renew Physical Therapy NY, NY – Call 877-Renew-PT for Your Free 10 Minute Phone Consultation
Ending Female Pain, A Woman’s Manual – by Isa Herrera
Jerome Weiss MD –Study on Urgency-Frequency – Copy of Above Reviewed Article
Travell & Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction The Trigger Point Manual Two Volume Set
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