A Solution to Osteitis Pubis

Osteitis pubis is a condition that causes chronic groin and pelvic pain, especially in athletes. Traditionally treatments have included rest, medication, and steroid injections. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that these conditions may be related to myofascial trigger points (TrPs) in surrounding muscles, such as the psoas.

Myofascial trigger points are spots in the muscle or fascial tissue that cause pain when compressed. They can often refer pain to other areas of the body, which can make diagnosis challenging. In the case of osteitis pubis, TrPs in the psoas muscle may refer pain to the groin area, essentially mimicking the symptoms of osteitis pubis.

Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) is a specialised form of manual therapy that focuses on the treatment of soft tissue pain and dysfunction. NMT practitioners use specific techniques to locate and deactivate TrPs, which can alleviate the referred pain. For conditions like osteitis pubis, NMT can be particularly effective. By targeting the TrPs in the psoas and other surrounding muscles, NMT sessions can help to resolve the chronic groin and pelvic pain associated with these conditions.

The advantage of NMT over more traditional treatments is that it addresses the root cause of the pain rather than just the symptoms. While steroid injections may provide temporary relief, they do not treat the underlying TrPs that are referring pain to the groin. NMT on the other hand, can provide a more lasting solution by resolving the TrPs and restoring normal muscle function.

It's important for patients to understand that while NMT can be highly effective, it may require several sessions to fully deactivate the TrPs and alleviate the pain. The number of sessions needed can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their condition. However, many patients report significant improvement after just a couple of NMT sessions.

In conclusion, for those suffering from chronic groin pain due to conditions like osteitis pubis, NMT offers a promising alternative to traditional treatments. By focusing on the myofascial trigger points in the surrounding muscles, NMT provides a targeted approach that can lead to long-term relief. If you're struggling with chronic groin pain, consider consulting with a neuromuscular therapist to see if NMT could be right for you.