The role of nonpharmacologic therapies in management of chronic pelvic pain: what to do when surgery fails

Sara R. Till, Heather N Wahl, Heather Wahl, Sawsan As-Sanie, Sawsan As‐Sanie
Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology · 2017 · vol. 29(4) , pp. 231–239 · doi:10.1097/gco.0000000000000376 · PMID:28604402 · W2624347176
Review OA: closed CC0 ⤵ 14 in-corpus citations
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⚙ AI-generated summary by gemini-2.5-flash-lite, 2026-06-23 ⓘ

This review updates nonsurgical and nonpharmacologic strategies for chronic pelvic pain, highlighting physical therapy, trigger point injections, neuromodulation, exercise, CBT, and mindfulness as promising adjuncts.

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Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an update on nonsurgical and nonpharmacologic strategies for the management of chronic pelvic pain (CPP). RECENT FINDINGS: Effective treatment of patients with CPP requires a multifaceted approach, with thoughtful consideration of surgical, pharmacologic, and nonpharmacologic strategies. Evidence for physical therapy and trigger point injections for treatment of myofascial components of CPP is increasing. Neuromodulation techniques, such as percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation and transcutaneous electrical stimulation, have limited but favorable preliminary data in patients with CPP. Behavioral strategies, such as exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness, have demonstrated significant improvements in pain, function and quality of life in patients with a variety of chronic pain conditions and are promising avenues for future research in CPP. SUMMARY: Nonpharmacologic therapies are important adjuncts to surgical and pharmacologic treatment for CPP and should be considered integral to a comprehensive treatment approach.

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Condition tags

chronic_pelvic_pain

MeSH descriptors

Chronic Pain Chronic Pain Pelvic Pain Pelvic Pain Adult Chronic Disease Chronic Pain Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Electric Stimulation Therapy Exercise Female Gynecology Humans Mindfulness Pelvic Floor Pelvic Floor Pelvic Pain Physical Therapy Modalities Quality of Life Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation

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Cited by (15)

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License: CC0 · commercial use OK