E-Posters-Acceptability of and Adherence to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy as a Treatment Strategy for Co-existing Pelvic Floor Myofascial Pain and Pelvic Floor Symptoms

Acceptability of and Adherence to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy as a Treatment Strategy for Co-existing Pelvic Floor Myofascial Pain and Pelvic Floor Symptoms - Melanie R. Meister, MD, MSc

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This pilot study aimed to assess the acceptability and effectiveness of pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) in addressing pelvic floor myofascial pain and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The study enrolled 65 patients who underwent a standardized pelvic floor myofascial examination and were found to have pain at 2 or more sites. Of these patients, 61.3% attended PFPT.<br /><br />The primary outcome measured was the change in Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI) scores after PFPT. Secondary outcomes included changes in myofascial examination scores, patient-reported improvement, and factors associated with adherence to PFPT.<br /><br />Patients who attended PFPT were more likely to be white, have a lower body mass index, have a college degree or higher, and incorporate other behavioral modifications to address their symptoms. On the other hand, patients who did not attend PFPT reported concerns over traveling to their PFPT appointments as a barrier to treatment.<br /><br />Results showed that PFPT significantly improved overall UDI scores and subscale scores for irritative, obstructive, and stress symptoms. Additionally, most patients reported improvement in their urinary symptoms on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement scale.<br /><br />The study concluded that PFPT was effective in treating LUTS associated with pelvic floor myofascial pain. However, adherence to PFPT was limited, potentially due to sociodemographic differences between patients who attended and those who did not. The study suggests that tailoring counseling for patients and improving access to PFPT may increase adherence to this treatment regimen.

Keywords

pilot study

pelvic floor physical therapy

PFPT

pelvic floor myofascial pain

lower urinary tract symptoms

acceptability

effectiveness

Urogenital Distress Inventory

myofascial examination

patient-reported improvement