For men, the definition of chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is the ongoing or repetitive pain episodes in the pelvic region. It’s in the absence of urinary tract infection or other relevant pathology, such as prostatitis. Since the condition is complex and satisfactory, results seldom occur from just one form of treatment. Researchers have proposed tackling CPPS with a multimodal approach that may include manual therapies. Manual therapy is a form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic.
Pelvic Pain Study
An April 2022 prospective study included 23 middle-aged men with CPPS. They presented with prostatic tenderness with no other positive clinical findings (negative clinical and/or lab tests). Each participant received three manual therapy treatments in the first week and six additional treatments spread over the next four weeks. The techniques were all externally applied with the intention to achieve normal joint alignment, reduce muscle tightness/stress, create flexible fascial structures, and improve blood flow and nerve function to the affected area.
Questionnaires completed by the participants revealed that this approach led to clinically significant results. Results show improvement in pain intensity, prostate-specific symptoms, and quality of life. This study suggests that manual therapy might be a practical therapeutic approach. The exact same protocols apply to all patients to eliminate confounding factors and confusion.
There is also research that shows the following treatment options may benefit the CPPS patient. Acupuncture, lifestyle modifications, specific-targeted exercises, shockwave therapy, phytotherapy, and some forms of electrical, magnetic, and ultrasound physical therapy modalities. Phytotherapy is the use of medicines derived from plants or herbs to treat or prevent health conditions.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that the current clinical practice guidelines for treating CPPS support pharmacologic treatment as the standard of care. More research is needed before guidelines can be updated to include manual therapies and other non-pharmaceutical approaches in the management of CPPS. However, a patient whose condition doesn’t respond to pharmacologic treatment may inquire with their medical physician. If you consider these alternative therapies, a chiropractor can provide them.
