Therapeutic Efficacy of Extracorporeal Magnetic Therapy in Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Lee, Kun Chul; Choi, Hoon; Park, Hong Seok; Kim, Je Jong; Moon, Du Geon

Abstract

PURPOSE: A physical therapy, with extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMi) treatment, has recently substituted direct electrical stimulation for the treatment of many diseases. The efficacy of ExMi treatment was evaluated as a new therapeutic modality in chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In 30 patients, diagnosed as NIH type III prostatitis, the efficacy of an ExMi was evaluated. Each treatment session was composed of 10 min at 40Hz, 2 min rest and 10 min at 50Hz, with an on-off ratio of 5sec:5sec. Both before and after the completion of 8 sessions of ExMi treatment, self-administered (NIH-CPSI) questionnaire were recorded to assess the changes of patient's symptoms. Three months after treatment, any recurrence was evaluated in patients with symptom improvements of 30% or more by telephone interviews.
RESULTS
The mean age of the patients and number of treatment sessions were 39.3 years and 10.5, respectively. Following the ExMi treatments, 20 of the 30 patients (66.7%) experienced a 30% or more improvement of their symptoms. The total NIH-CPSI score was significantly improved, from 23.7 to 15.2 (p<0.01). Each domain of the NIH-CPSI was improved as follows: pain, from 11.37 to 6.77; urination, from 5.03 to 3.27 and the effect on the QOL (quality of life), from 7.27 to 5.17. In responding patients, the improvement remained in 72% of the patients for 3 months after completion of the treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that ExMi is an effective and useful tool in the management of chronic pelvic pain syndrome. In chronic pelvic pain syndrome patients, ExMi treatment has advantages over other treatment options due to its easy, comfortable, non-invasive nature.