Comparison of the effectiveness of transverse friction massage and thiele massage in female patients with chronic pelvic pain

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate and compare the effectiveness of transverse friction massage and Thiele massage applied to the pelvic floor muscles in female patients with chronic pelvic pain.Material and Methods: Twenty patients were divided into two groups of 10 people each: the transverse friction group and the Thiele massage group. Patients received transverse friction massage or Thiele Massage 2 days a week for 4 weeks. Measured parameters were pain, quality of life, sexual functions, and lower urinary tract symptoms. Visual Analog Scale and Mcgill Melzack Pain Questionnaire, Nottingham Health Profile, Female Sexual Function Index, and Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Questionnaire were used to evaluate parameters, respectively.Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in all parameters in the transverse friction massage group (p<0.05) and all parameters except sexual functions improved significantly in the Thiele group compared to pre-treatment (p<0.05). When the two groups were compared with each other, no statistically significant difference was found in any of the parameters between the groups (p>0.05).Discussion: Transverse friction massage and Thiele massage applied to the pelvic floor muscles in patients with chronic pelvic pain are easily applicable noninvasive treatment methods that can reduce the symptoms of the disease and increase the quality of life.