title: Myofascial pelvic pain.
abstract: Individuals with pelvic pain commonly present with complaints of pain located anywhere below the umbilicus radiating to the top of their thighs or genital region. The somatovisceral convergence that occurs within the pelvic region exemplifies why examination of not only the organs but also the muscles, connective tissues (fascia), and neurologic input to the region should be performed for women with pelvic pain. The susceptibility of the pelvic floor musculature to the development of myofascial pain has been attributed to unique functional demands of this muscle. Conservative interventions should be considered to address the impairments found on physical examination.
authors.affiliation: Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, 4444 Forest Park, Box 8502, St Louis, MO 63108-2212, USA. Electronic address: spitznaglet@wustl.edu.
authors.forename: Theresa Monaco
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Spitznagle
authors.affiliation: Sullivan Physical Therapy, Austin, TX 78750, USA.
authors.forename: Caitlin McCurdy
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Robinson
mesh_terms: D059350:Chronic Pain; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D059411:Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D009209:Myofascial Pain Syndromes / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Myofascial pain syndrome; Pelvic pain; Somatovisceral convergence