Telerehabilitation for persistent Pelvic Girdle Pain within a biopsychosocial framework - A case report.

Background: Persistent pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and the resulting consequences may considerably influence a woman's quality of life. The complexity of this condition requires a whole-person centered approach. In response to COVID-19 outbreak, telerehabilitation has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional in-person visits.

The Overactive Pelvic Floor (OPF) and Sexual Dysfunction. Part 2: Evaluation and Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction in OPF Patients.

Introduction: The assessment of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) overactivity is part of a comprehensive evaluation including a detailed history (medical, gynecological history/antecedent), appraisal of the psychosocial contexts of the patient, as well as a musculoskeletal and a neurological examination.

Objectives: The aims of this article are to review (i) the assessment modalities evaluating pelvic floor function in women and men with disorders associated with an overactive pelvic floor (OPF), and (ii) therapeutic approaches to address OPF, with particular emphases on sexual pain and function.

Methods: We outline assessment tools that evaluate psychological and cognitive states.

Pelvic floor muscle tenderness on digital palpation among women: convergent validity with central sensitization.

Background: Tenderness on palpation of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) is a clinical assessment tool used alongside other tests to identify PFM involvement in pelvic complaints including pelvic pain. Although reliability of PFM tenderness has been determined, validity has yet to be established.

Objectives: To assess convergent validity of PFM tenderness on digital palpation with the presence of central pain mechanism, as determined by a score of greater than 40 on the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI).

"The Overactive Pelvic Floor (OPF) and Sexual Dysfunction" Part 1: Pathophysiology of OPF and Its Impact on the Sexual Response.

Introduction: Overactive pelvic floor (OPF) muscles are defined as muscles that do not relax, or may even contract, when relaxation is needed, for example, during micturition or defecation. Conditions associated with OPF are multifactorial and include multiple possible etiologies and symptom complexes. The complex interplay between biological and psychosocial elements can lead to the persistence of OPF symptoms along with psychological and emotional distress.

Predictors of Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction Among Women With Lumbopelvic Pain.

Background: There is evidence to suggest that a large proportion of individuals seeking care for lumbopelvic pain also have pelvic floor muscle dysfunction (PFMD). Because the majority of physical therapists do not have the requisite training to adequately assess pelvic floor musculature, determining predictors of PFMD could be clinically useful.

Objective: The objective was to establish a combination of factors (self-report and physical) predictive of PFMD in women with lumbopelvic pain.

Association between lumbopelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction in women: A cross sectional study.

Background: The prevalence, cost and disability associated with lumbopelvic pain continues to rise despite the range of available therapeutic interventions, indicating a deficiency in current approaches. A literature base highlighting a correlation between lumbopelvic pain and pelvic floor function is developing; however, the features that characterize this correlation have yet to be fully established.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of pelvic floor muscle function among women with lumbopelvic pain.

Physical Therapy in the Treatment of Central Pain Mechanisms for Female Sexual Pain.

Introduction: The complexity of female sexual pain requires an interdisciplinary approach. Physical therapists trained in pelvic health conditions are well positioned to be active members of an interdisciplinary team addressing the assessment and treatment of female sexual pain. Changes within physical therapy practice in the last ten years have resulted in significant utilization of pelvic floor muscle relaxation and manual therapy techniques to address a variety of pelvic pain conditions, including female sexual pain.