Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the symptomatic management of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a placebo-control randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the symptomatic management of chronic prostatitis pain/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

DESIGN: A pretest, posttest randomized double blind design was used in data collection.

PARTICIPANT: Twenty-four patients diagnosed with chronic prostatitis- category IIIA and IIIB of the National Institute of Health Chronic Pain (NIH-CP) were referred for physiotherapy from the Urology department.

INTERVENTION: Pre treatment pain level was assessed using the NIH-CP (pain domain) index. The TENS group received TENS treatment, 5 times per week for a period of 4 weeks (mean treatment frequency, intensity, pulse width and duration of 60 Hz, 100 microS, 25 mA and 20 minutes respectively). The Analgesic group received no TENS treatment but continued analgesics; the Control group received no TENS and Analgesic but placebo. All subjects were placed on antibiotics throughout the treatment period.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Post-treatment pain level was also assessed using NIH-CP pain index.

RESULT: Findings of the study revealed significant effect of TENS on chronic prostatitis pain at p < 0.05.

CONCLUSION: TENS is an effective means of non-invasive symptomatic management of chronic prostatitis pain.