Bladder training biofeedback and pelvic floor myalgia

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a debilitating condition, traditionally treated with antimicrobials, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and α-blockers. Pelvic floor tension myalgia is hypothesized to be a contributing factor in CPPS. Biofeedback training for CPPS is based on the principle that maximum muscle contraction prompts maximum muscle relaxation. Similar chronic pain conditions have been treated successfully with biofeedback-assisted techniques of neuromuscular reeducation. Preliminary study by our group has shown biofeedback, pelvic floor reeducation, and bladder training to be helpful in the treatment of CP/CPPS. Overall, 8 of 11 patients had improvement in either pain scores or their chronic prostatitis pain index scores. With no cure for CP/CPPS available, biofeedback and pelvic floor reeducation merit further evaluation in the treatment of this condition.