Effect of Manual Therapy on Extra-Pelvic Trigger Points in Chronic Pelvic Pain Women

Aim: To investigate changes in intensity pain and pressure pain sensitivity after manual treatment of active external pelvic trigger points in women who suffer from chronic pelvic pain.Subjects: Forty women were selected from Nasser Family Health Center in EL-Beheira Governorate, Egypt, their age ranged from 25-50 years and their Body Mass Index (BMI) ranged from 25-29kg/m^2. The participants were assigned into two groups of equal numbers, study and control groups, 20 women each.Methods: The study Group (A) received Myofascial Release (MFR), progressive pressure and self-stretching exercise program for selected extra- pelvic muscles (iliopoase, quadratus lumborum and piriformis), while the control Group (B) didn t receive any treatment only advises to deal with chronic pain. Treatment program was conducted for 3 days per week for a successive 6 weeks.Main Measures: Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) value was measured by an electronic algometer and pain intensity by Visual Analog Scale (VAS).Results: Both groups showed a statistically significant improvement of the measured variables, but in favor of the Group A.Discussion and Conclusion: Both groups improved by the end of the program in pressure pain threshold values and visual analog scale. However manual therapy was effective in decrease sensitivity of external pelvic trigger points in women who suffer from chronic pelvic pain.