How it works: trigger point release, paradoxical relaxation training

Today, there are a growing number of men reporting significant improvement and relief of symptoms that are directly expressed by chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). The treatment focus is directly on pain caused by muscle spasm in the pelvic floor. The comprehensive treatment program includes relaxation technique, exercise regimen, myofascial trigger point release, and focused counseling.

Non-bacterial chronic prostatitis is the non-bacterial type of chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) that affects 5% to 16% of men. This chronic type of pelvic pain syndrome has posed a serious challenge to clinicians for nearly a century.

An important part of the challenge is the inability to effectively address the problem using traditional treatment that includes antibacterial drugs, surgical interventions, anti-inflammatory drugs, and even prostate massage. Doctors agree that there needs to be a holistic approach to managing CPPS. Emerging modalities that focus on physical therapy, psychosocial support, and urologic therapy are becoming the most appropriate approach for most patients with chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.

Currently, there are several studies that indicate that the clinical symptoms of non-bacterial pelvic pain syndrome are not directly related to any medical condition that affects the prostate. In fact, in a related clinical study that was conducted, 95% of the cases that were examined did not show any clear inflammation of the tissue within the prostate. At present there is concrete evidence showing that pain in the pelvic area is attributable to the formation of trigger points and chronic spasm of the pelvic floor muscles.

In a recent scientific publication, a new approach to treatment for chronic pelvic pain syndrome called the “Stanford Protocol” was introduced. The protocol is primarily a combination of medication, physical therapy, and psychological therapy.

The medication component of the protocol requires the use of benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants. The psychological component of the protocol involves a new type of relaxation technique called paradoxical relaxation that was created by Edmund Jacobson. Finally, patients must undergo a special type of physical therapy known as trigger point release therapy, which treats pain expressed by the muscles of the abdominal region and pelvic floor. Yoga exercises are also used for some patients in order to release tension in the muscles.

The paradoxical relaxation technique is the adoption of a series type of deep relaxation methods. It involves the coordination and control of breathing by the patient to achieve harmony with the heartbeat. This results in a more positive state of calm on the part of the person experiencing discomfort as a direct result of muscle spasms in those regions. Once an individual reaches the required level of body relaxation ability, they begin to focus on the source of the pain.

The trigger point release technique is the central component of myofascial therapy and neuromuscular therapy. This technique initially requires identification of the source of pain in muscle areas. These trigger points do not arise randomly, since they are observed mainly in the final part or in the union of the muscle sheaths. These trigger points may have been caused by an injury to one muscle group or an injury to other muscles within the area adjacent to where the localized pain is felt.

The results of a recent experiment conducted by the Stanford School of Medicine have demonstrated the efficacy of the protocol in treating the symptoms of chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The protocol has been particularly effective in eliminating or reducing pain caused by muscle spasm in the abdomen and pelvis. The same study has also indicated that 70% to 80% of the patients involved in the scientific experiment had exhibited a significant improvement in their sexual functions with the adoption of trigger point release and paradoxical relaxation techniques.

The trigger point release technique can be performed by a physical therapist or a massage therapist. On the other hand, the paradoxical relaxation technique can be adopted by a psychiatrist or a psychologist as part of the treatment regimen for patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain syndrome.