A Comprehensive Treatment Protocol for Endometriosis Patients Decreases Pain and Improves Function

Area of Science:

• Pain Medicine
• Pelvic Health
• Neuromuscular Therapy

Background:

• Endometriosis often results in persistent pain and sensitization post-surgical excision.
• Myofascial pain is a common sequela, impacting quality of life.
• Multimodal approaches are being explored to manage complex pain conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a multimodal, outpatient neuromuscular protocol.
• To treat residual sensitization and myofascial pain in endometriosis patients post-surgical excision.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective longitudinal study of 60 women (aged 22-78) with surgically excised endometriosis.
• Protocol included ultrasound-guided trigger point injections, nerve blocks, pelvic floor physical therapy (6 weeks), and cognitive behavioral therapy (12 weeks).
• Pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale) and pelvic functionality (Functional Pelvic Pain Scale) were assessed.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in average Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores from 7.45 to 4.12 (p < 0.001).
• Significant decrease in Functional Pelvic Pain Scale (FPPS) scores from 14.35 to 10.3 (p < 0.001).
• Improvements were particularly notable in function related to sleeping, intercourse, and working.

Conclusions:

• The multimodal protocol effectively treats residual sensitization and myofascial pain in endometriosis patients post-surgery.
• The treatment demonstrates significant benefits in pain reduction and functional improvement.
• Targeted interventions show promise for improving quality of life in this patient population.