Physical Therapy Trial for Pelvic Pain

A Pilot Feasibility Study of Physical Therapy for the Treatment of Urologic Pelvic Pain Syndromes

The purpose of this study is to determine if a randomized trial of physical therapy for pelvic pain is feasible.

This is a pilot study wherein eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either myofascial tissue manipulation or global therapeutic massage. Those receiving myofascial tissue manipulation will have targeted internal and external connective tissue manipulation focusing on the muscles and connective tissues of the pelvic floor, hip girdle, and abdomen. Those receiving global therapeutic massage will have non-specific somatic treatment with full-body Western massage.

Inclusion Criteria:

• female and male patients who have failed to respond to previous therapies for interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome
• male patients who have failed to respond to previous therapies for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Exclusion Criteria:

• neurologic disorder affecting bladder
• bladder cancer, prostate cancer, or urethral cancer