TECAR Therapy in Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation for Women with Pelvic Pain: A Case-Control Study

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) with pelvic floor muscle hypertonicity (PFMH) significantly impacts women's quality of life. The hypothesis is that TECAR therapy in standard pelvic floor rehabilitation would enhance pain reduction.

This retrospective case-control study included 138 women with CPP and PFMH treated between January and December 2022. Cases (n = 72) received multimodal rehabilitation with bipolar radiofrequency TECAR therapy; controls (n = 66) received standard rehabilitation alone (Kegel exercises, myofascial stretching, low-frequency electrical stimulation). Pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at baseline and 1 month after completion of the rehabilitation program. Multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses identified predictors and optimal treatment thresholds for clinically relevant pain reduction (ΔVAS ≥ 2).

Both groups showed significant VAS reduction (p < 0.001), but the TECAR group achieved greater pain reduction (median VAS 8.0 → 3.0 vs 8.0 → 4.0; p < 0.001) and required fewer electrical stimulation sessions (7 vs 10, p < 0.001). In cases, the number of TECAR sessions was significantly associated with ΔVAS ≥ 2 in univariate (OR 1.36, 95%CI 1.01-1.83; p = 0.042) and multivariate models adjusted for baseline VAS, age, and BMI (OR 1.40, 95%CI 1.01-1.93; p = 0.041). No variables predicted response in controls. In cases, ROC analysis identified ≥ 6 TECAR sessions as the optimal threshold for meaningful improvement (AUC 0.80, sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 100%). No adverse events occurred.

TECAR therapy enhances pelvic floor rehabilitation effectiveness in women with CPP and PFMH, providing superior pain relief with fewer invasive procedures. The six-session threshold may provide evidence-based guidance on treatment. These findings support the integration of TECAR into standard pelvic rehabilitation protocols.