Introduction

Pelvic pain due to pelvic floor dysfunction responds well to pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT). We compare validated symptom scores at intake and discharge in women undergoing PFPT for pelvic pain at a multidisciplinary Women&[prime]s Urology Center.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was performed for women presenting to the Center for PFPT primarily for pelvic pain in 2015. 5 pelvic floor physical therapists had performed individualized interventions. Pertinent history, demographics, and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Short Form 20 (PFDI) total and domain scores (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-POPDI, Urogenital Distress Inventory-UDI, Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory-CRADI), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ), and pain levels on a 0-10 visual analog scale (VAS) collected at intake and discharge were analyzed with descriptive statistics.

Results

95 women were treated in 2015. Mean age was 47 yr ± 15 (range, 18 to 80). In addition to pain women reported urinary frequency (53/93, 57%) and urgency (53/93, 57%), difficulty initiating urination (38/93, 41%), and constipation (51/95, 53%). The most common prior intervention was pain medications (70/85; 82%). 46/95 (48%) had previously undergone PFPT. Mean number of visits was 10 ± 6.5. Mean pain level decreased from 5 at the first visit to 3.5 by the last visit (p<0.0001) and 8 on the worst day to 4.8 by the last visit (p<0.0001). Pre and post treatment PFDI and PFIQ questionnaires were completed by 49/95 (51.6%) and 45/95 (47.4%) women respectively. Total and domain scores with the minimally important difference (MID) for PFDI, CRADI, and UDI (MID not available for other scores) are displayed in Table I._x000D_ PFDI scores significantly improved but did not meet the MID. UDI scores significantly improved and met the MID. Although POPDI and CRADI did not significantly improve, CRADI met the MID. PFIQ scores improved significantly._x000D_

Conclusions

PFPT improves pelvic pain and symptoms of urinary distress in women with pelvic pain.

Funding

Philanthropy; Ministrelli Program for Urology Research and Education (MPURE)