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Semin Reprod Med 2018; 36(02): 107-115
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1676085
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Musculoskeletal Considerations in Female Patients with Chronic Pelvic Pain

Georgine Lamvu
1   Division of Surgery, Gynecology Section, Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Orlando, Florida
2   University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida
,
Jorge Carrillo
1   Division of Surgery, Gynecology Section, Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Orlando, Florida
2   University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida
,
Kathryn Witzeman
3   Women's Integrated Health Program, Department of OB-GYN, Denver Health, Denver, Colorado
,
Meryl Alappattu
4   Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
5   Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
› Author Affiliations Funding Dr. Alappattu is funded by NIH K12 Rehabilitation Research Career Development Program (NICHD/NINDS K12 HD055929).
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
19 December 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Persistent pelvic pain conditions are common and affect nearly 25% of the female U.S. population. In a sizable proportion of pelvic pain patients, the pain is caused by musculoskeletal dysfunction; yet, healthcare providers do not routinely evaluate patients for musculoskeletal etiologies. This article provides an overview of the pathophysiology of persistent pelvic pain, as it relates to musculoskeletal disorders. The symptomatology, anatomy, evaluation, and treatment of these disorders are summarized specifically for healthcare providers (including gynecologists) who do not have pelvic musculoskeletal expertise.

Keywords

chronic pelvic pain - pelvic pain - musculoskeletal pain - myofascial
 

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