Development of a biotensegrity focused therapy for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse: A retrospective case series

Abstract

Introduction: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP), the bulging of pelvic organs into the vagina, is a common condition thought to be caused by weak pelvic tissue. There is a paucity of evidence supporting current treatment approaches. This case series proposes a new biotensegrity-focused hypothesis that POP is caused by taut pelvic tissue and that releasing pelvic tension will improve POP. Methods: Three retrospective patient cohorts are presented illustrating the development of the new biotensegrity-focused therapy (BFT) approach. All women received: postural assessment; pelvic tissue examination; and myofascial release of taut pelvic tissue, trigger points, and scar tissue. A standard assessment SOTAP Subjective experience, the Objective assessment, the Treatment plan, Assessment of treatment outcomes, and subsequent treatment and self-care Plans. Cohort three additionally self-reported symptoms using the short-form PDFI-20 questionnaire at baseline and after final treatment. Results: Twenty-three women participated (Cohort 1 n=7; Cohort 2 n=7; Cohort 3 n=9). Fourteen (61%) presented with cystocele, 10 (44%) urethracele, 7 (30%), cervical descent, and 17 (74%) rectocele. Seven (30%) presented with single prolapse, 8 (35%) double, 6 (26%) triple, and 2 (9%) quadruple. Median treatments received was 5 (range 3-8). All women reported improved prolapse symptoms. Cohort 3 (n=9) reported clinically meaningful reductions (mean 56%) in PFDI-20 total after final treatment. Conclusions: This case series offers preliminary evidence for the association between POP and pelvic tissue tension. Further research is needed to explore these findings and to determine the efficacy of BFT for treating POP in a wider sample.

Scoping review and interpretation of myofascial pain/fibromyalgia syndrome: An attempt to assemble a medical puzzle

“…Some suggest TrPs are present in up to 85% of individuals with colorectal, urological and gynecological pelvic pain syndromes, and can be responsible for many of the symptoms related to these syndromes [ 43 ]. It was suggested that TrPs or myofascial tension, not exerted by external forces, can apply enough force to cause various abnormalities, including compression and entrapment of anatomical structures [ 44 ], decrease joint range of movement [ 7 , 16 ], affect visceral organs [ 9 , 45 , 46 ], lead to musculoskeletal abnormalities [ 47 ], and alter blood and lymph flow [ 48 ].…”

Scoping review and interpretation of Myofascial Pain/Fibromyalgia syndrome: an attempt to assemble a medical puzzle

“…5 Some suggest TrPs are present in up to 85% of individuals with colorectal, urological and gynecological pelvic pain syndromes, and can be responsible for many of the symptoms related to these syndromes. 43 It was suggested that TrPs or myofascial tension, not exerted by external forces, can apply enough force to cause various abnormalities, including compression and entrapment of anatomical structures, 44 decrease joint range of movement, 7,16 influence viscera, 9,45,46 lead to musculoskeletal abnormalities, 47 and alter blood and lymph flow. 48…”

Multi-Directional Shape Change Analysis of Biotensegrity Model Mimicking Human Spine Curvature

“…Extensive research investigations on biotensegrity based biomechanical models, particularly cellular, molecular, organ and tissue, organisms and fascial biotensegrity, as well as the principle of biotensegrity in cellular mechanical signal transduction (mechanotransduction), were reported [1,2]. To date, biotensegrity as a model emulated from the forms and functions of complex biological systems has been suggested for several potential applications such as in medical technology [3], health care practices [4] and engineering applications [5].…”