In the pelvic floor, myofascial pain has been described arising within the muscles of the levator ani (puborectalis, pubococcygeus, and iliococcygeus) and internal hip (obturator internus). In this webinar, we will review the pathophysiology and development of myofascial pain in the pelvic floor muscles, explore the prevalence of co-existing pelvic floor myofascial pain and other pelvic floor symptoms, and discuss current and emerging treatment strategies to address pelvic floor myofascial pain and related symptoms.

At the end of this webinar learners will be able to: 

• Describe the pathophysiology and development of myofascial dysfunction and pain within the pelvic floor muscles
• Discuss the association between pelvic floor myofascial pain and pelvic floor symptoms including lower urinary tract symptoms and dyspareunia
• Describe treatment strategies to address pelvic floor myofascial pain and associated symptoms

Dr. Melanie Meister is an Assistant Professor in Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) at the University of Kansas. She completed her Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) residency and FPMRS fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis  where she earned her Masters of Science in Clinical Investigation through the Washington University Clinical Research Training Center. Her research focuses on pelvic floor disorder symptoms in women including pelvic floor myofascial pain, pelvic organ prolapse, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and recurrent urinary tract infections. She has a particular clinical and research interest in the prevalence of pelvic floor disorder symptoms in adult women with pelvic floor myofascial pain, the correlation between these symptoms, and non-surgical approaches to address pelvic floor myofascial pain.

Padma Kandadai, MD, MPH | Boston University School of Medicine