Electromagnetic stimulation to reduce the hypertonia of the pelvic floor muscles and improve chronic pelvic pain in women

Abstract

Background: The increased hypertonicity or activity of pelvic floor muscles can lead to chronic pelvic pain (CPP). It represents an aspecific and persistent pain with no apparent clinical reason, affecting an estimated 6% to 16% of women worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate with validated questionnaires the efficacy and the safeness of a new device that uses Top flat Magnetic Stimulation for the management of muscular hypertonia in women with CCP. Methods: All patients underwent 8 treatments with a non-invasive electromagnetic therapeutic device. The device produces a TOP Flat Magnetic Stimulation with a uniform profile so, the muscle work aims to reduce pain while also inhibiting muscle activity. The PISQ-12 questionnaire was used for the evaluation of improvements. Side effects were monitored. Results: The PISQ-12 total mean score decreases from 29,2 (±3.3) to 17 (±2). Regarding the behavioural–emotive items (1-4), a decrease from 12 (±2) to 7 (±0.9) was visible. Physical items (5-9) decrease from 10,6 (±1.8) to 6 (±1.4) and the Partner Related items (10-12) from 6,6 (±1.6) to 3,9 (±0.4). Conclusions: The device we used in this research demonstrated to be a valid solution for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain in female patients.

Keywords

• Electromagnetic stimulation
• pelvic floor hypertonia
• chronic pelvic pain
• women