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

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the efficacy of a multimodal, outpatient neuromuscular protocol in treating remaining sensitization and myofascial pain in endometriosis patients post-surgical excision. Patients and Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted for women aged 22 to 78 with a history of surgically excised endometriosis. 60 women with an average duration of pain of 8.63 ± 7.65 years underwent a treatment protocol consisting of ultrasound guided trigger point injections, peripheral nerve blocks, and pelvic floor physical therapy for 6 weeks. Concomitant cognitive behavioral therapy once weekly for a total of 12 weeks was also undertaken. Pain intensity and pelvic functionality were assessed at new patient consults and 3-month follow ups using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Functional Pelvic Pain Scale (FPPS). Results: At new patient consults, average VAS and FPPS were 7.45 ± 2.11 (CI 6.92–7.98) and 14.35 ± 6.62 (CI 12.68 −16.02), respectively. At 3-month follow ups, average VAS and FPPS decreased to 4.12 ± 2.44 (CI 3.50–4.73; p < 0.001) and 10.3 ± 6.55 (CI 8.64–11.96; p < 0.001), respectively. Among FPPS categories, sleeping, intercourse, and working showed the highest statistical significance. Conclusion: Data suggests the multimodal protocol was effective in treating the remaining underlying sensitization and myofascial pain seen in Endometriosis patients post-surgical excision, particularly in decreasing pain and improving function during work and intercourse.