The Role of a Postoperative Home Physical Therapy Program for the Treatment of Pelvic Pain in Patients Undergoing Endometriosis Excision
Oregon Health and Science University
Summary
This is a randomized controlled pilot study comparing a home pelvic floor physical therapy program to routine post-operative care for patients undergoing endometriosis excisional surgery without hysterectomy. Quality of life and endometriosis symptoms will be compared following the recovery period.
Description
This is a randomized controlled pilot study conducted at a single institution comparing a home pelvic floor physical therapy program to routine post-operative care for patients undergoing endometriosis excisional surgery without hysterectomy. Patients will be recruited from a referral gynecological surgery group specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic pain and endometriosis. The goal is to assess the role of the active recovery program on quality of life and on pain and endometriosis symptoms. Subjects will be randomized to routine post-operative care or to a home physical thera…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–50 years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Premenopausal * English speaking * Undergoing endometriosis excision surgery without hysterectomy at Legacy Health with subspecialty-trained surgeons specializing in endometriosis care * History of chronic pelvic pain (defined as \>= 6 months of pain in the anatomic pelvis) * Diagnosis of high tone pelvic floor dysfunction on examiniation * Have access to reliable email and phone for study-related communication Exclusion Criteria: * Non-English speaking * Unable to consent * Unable to sustain 30 minutes of moderate activity at baseline * Uses a mobility assistive devic…
Interventions
- BehavioralActive Recovery
Participants will receive postoperative instructions to follow an active recovery protocol focused on increasing activity level, core strength exercises, and pelvic floor exercises focused on urinary and bowel symptoms. Exercises are to be completed twice per day for the 12 weeks following surgery.
- BehavioralStandard Postoperative Instructions
Standard of care postoperative instructions covering incision care, pain control, dietary instructions, and emergency precautions. Also includes guidelines regarding pelvic rest and lifting restrictions.
Location
- Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortland, Oregon