Use of high voltage pulsed galvanic stimulation for patients with levator ani syndrome

Levator ani syndrome is characterized by brief, intermittent pain and discomfort in the perirectal or rectal region that can be aggravated by sitting. Physical therapists are beginning to receive referrals for pain reduction in this patient population. The purpose of the study was to examine the use of high voltage pulsed galvanic stimulation (HVPGS) for reducing symptoms in patients with levator ani syndrome. A descriptive research design was used. Treatment consisted of one hour of HVPGS at a frequency of 120 Hz and at an intensity to the patient's maximum tolerance applied through a rectal probe. Results on 28 patients indicate that 50% had pain or symptom relief, or both, after an average of eight treatments. Those patients who were unresponsive to treatment had a primary diagnosis of irritable colon or were postsurgical. We are continuing to examine this treatment and will conduct follow-up examinations on those patients who obtained pain relief. Based on these preliminary results, we believe that HVPGS is an effective treatment for selected patients in this population.