Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of physical therapy treatment for non-specific pelvic pain using Systemic Manual Therapy (SMT). This study evaluates outcomes across episode of care and after implementation of specific SMT protocols.
Design: Computerized decision support software (CDSS) analysis of electronic medical records (EMR) using the Halili Physical Therapy Statistical Analysis Tool (HPTSAT) to query EMR.
Methods: Changes in pelvic pain and overall symptoms were measured in 310 patients after provision of 261 SMT protocols or protocol combinations, and across episode of care using the patient identified problem scale (PIP) and a statistical analysis tool (HPTSAT).
Results: Pelvic pain was improved on average by 1.95/9 (p < 0.001), overall improvement was 11.11/90 (p < 0.001). Eighteen combinations containing 13 distinct protocols passed the HPTSAT criteria. These protocols included seven with direct effects; the five proposed for their effects on central desensitization; and one protocol with either regional or desensitization effects.
Conclusion: An effective treatment for pelvic pain is possible if in addition to direct intervention, regional contributors and central sensitization are addressed.
Keywords
Pelvic pain, Central sensitization, Systemic manual therapy, Fascial counter strain, Barral, Integrative manual therapy, Muscle energy techniques