A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Treat Chronic Pelvic Pain

A Pilot Study to Assess the Feasibility of a Randomized Control Trial Employing a Single-arm Intervention, at a Single Institution, to Study the Effects of Combined Self-induced Therapeutic Tremors Plus Mindfulness on Symptoms of Chronic Pelvic Pain.

To collect pilot data and assess the feasibility of a trial employing a single-arm intervention to study the effects of combined self-induced therapeutic tremors plus mindfulness on symptoms of chronic pelvic pain among women diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain.

The estimated prevalence of chronic pelvic pain among women is 2-24%. The etiology of chronic pelvic pain is multifactorial making it very difficult to manage clinically. Evidenced-based therapies are limited and a multidisciplinary approach, including complementary and alternative medicine, to treat women with chronic pelvic pain may be the best approach. This study assess the feasibility of conducting randomized controlled trial with a single arm intervention to treat symptoms of chronic pelvis pain among women diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain. The intervention will consist of a novel combined alternative therapy intervention among women with chronic pelvic pain (self-induced therapeutic tremor plus mindfulness). This is a clinically significant project as lifestyle interventions to treat chronic pelvic pain are urgently needed, given the prevalence and the healthcare costs associated with chronic pelvic pain.

Study Objective: The primary purpose of this project is to collect pilot data and assess the feasibility of a single arm intervention trial to improve symptoms of CPP among women diagnosed with CPP.

Intervention Arm - Combined Alternative Therapy: The novel combined alternative therapy that will be studied consists of self-induced therapeutic tremors (SITT) plus mindfulness. SITT is the intentional induction of the body's innate tremor mechanism to treat hyperarousal and muscle tension, which is characteristic of CPP. SITTs are thought to restore somatic and autonomic nervous system homeostasis, by discharging sympathetic arousal and down-regulating the autonomic nervous system. Previous work has shown that mindfulness training may improve symptoms of CPP, however there are no studies investigating the impact that the combination of mindfulness coupled with SITTs may have on the symptoms of CPP.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women
• Age >18
• Physical requirements: be able to complete the intervention sessions
• Not seeking other therapeutic modalities, such as acupuncture, PT, during study duration
• Free from surgery for >3 months
• being treated clinically for chronic pelvic pain and related conditions
• CPP of 6 months or more (to be considered chronic)
• Availability to commit to the 4-week intervention (two 60-minute sessions per week at a specified time, for 4 weeks)
• Internet access and consistent access to phone/email/text communication

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Illicit substance use (e.g. cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, street drugs) - marijuana and CBD oil and related supplements will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the principal investigators
• Current psychiatric illness/social situation that would limit compliance with study requirements, as determined by the principal investigators