Myofascial Pelvic Pain: Best Orientation and Clinical Practice. Position of the European Association of Urology Guidelines Panel on Chronic Pelvic Pain

Context: Despite the high prevalence of a myofascial pain component in chronic pelvic pain (CPP) syndromes, awareness and management of this component are lacking among health care providers.Objective: To summarize the current state of the art for the management of myofascial pain in chronic primary pelvic pain syndromes (CPPPS) according to scientific research and input from experts from the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines panel on CPP.Evidence acquisition: A narrative review was undertaken using three sources: (1) infor-mation in the EAU guidelines on CPP; (2) information retrieved from the literature on research published in the past 3 yr on myofascial pelvic pain; and (3) expert opinion from panel members.Evidence synthesis: Studies confirm a high prevalence of a myofascial pain component in CPPPS. Examination of the pelvic floor muscles should follow published recommenda-tions to standardize findings and disseminate the procedure. Treatment of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and pain in the context of CPP was found to contribute to CPP con-trol and is feasible via different physiotherapy techniques. A multidisciplinary approach is the most effective.Conclusions: Despite its high prevalence, the myofascial component of CPP has been underevaluated and undertreated to date. Myofascial pain must be assessed in all patients with CPPPS. Treatment of the myofascial pain component is relevant for global treatment success. Further studies are imperative to reinforce and better define the role of each physiotherapy technique in CPPPS.Patient summary: Pain and inflammation of the body's muscle and soft tissues (myofas-cial pain) frequently occurs in pelvic pain syndromes. Its presence must be evaluated to optimize management for each patient. If diagnosed, myofascial pain should be treated.(c) 2022 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Despite the high prevalence of myofascial pain in chronic pelvic pain syndromes, awareness and management of this component are lacking among health care providers. This review highlights the current state of research and expert opinions on the management of myofascial pain in chronic pelvic pain syndromes, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.