Prostatitis AKA Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Prostatitis is generally referred to as an infection or inflammation of the prostate gland, although it is not necessarily caused by an infection and does not necessarily feature inflammation of the prostate gland.

There are three common types of prostatitis:

• Acute bacterial prostatitis – a sudden bacterial infection marked by inflammation of the prostate. This is the least common type but it can be very severe.
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis. This is bacterial prostatitis that lasts more than three months often associated with a urinary infections having entered the prostate gland.
• Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis AKA chronic pelvic pain syndrome. This is the most common form of prostatitis, accounting for 90% to 95% of cases.

Common symptoms of all these forms of prostatitis are pain in and around the abdomen, anus, pelvis, and penis, along with a general loss of wellbeing. Men may also experience a marked increase in urinary frequency and urgency, and pain or discomfort with intercourse.

Medical treatments for prostatitis include antibiotics (where the cause is a bacterial infection), anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and surgery. Often men who have chronic non-bacterial prostatitis may be prescribed repeated courses of antibiotics, even though the cause of their symptoms is not a bacterial infection.

Myofascial Release for Prostatitis

Scientific research has confirmed that myofascial release and trigger point therapy, along with relaxation techniques, are highly effective treatments for prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome. This is because the symptoms are caused by restrictions in the soft tissues of the pelvis and abdomen, not bacterial.

For further information about pelvic pain in women, please see our section about Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome.

Please read our guide: Is Myofascial Release an Effective Treatment for Prostatitis

And see case studies and testimonials.