Chronic Pelvic Pain

Abstract Though there are myriad etiologies of Chronic pelvic pain (CPP), common therapeutic targets include inflammation, somatic dysfunction and psychological disturbances. Inflammation may be addressed not only with dietary changes including thoughtfully selected nutritional and botanical supplements, but also with mind-body therapies. Somatic dysfunction may respond to manipulative therapies provided by osteopaths, naturopaths, chiropractors, and some physical therapists. Therapists may also offer visceral, craniosacral, myofascial and other whole-body therapies. There are many women’s clinics with therapists who specialize in pelvic floor alignment along with physical therapy. Mental health care may be key in many cases. Integrative medicine offers evidence-based and evidence-informed therapies to support the human being’s intrinsic capacity for healing, incorporating the vitalism of many of the therapies’ origins (traditional Chinese medicine, indigenous medicine, ayurveda, osteopathy, chiropractic, etc.) combined with the advances made by the more traditional reductionistic medicine of the west. Given the complexity and wide variation of etiologies and symptoms of CPP, using an integrative approach may offer an expanded selection of therapeutic approaches.