AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTS OF TUNING FORK (SOUND WAVE/ SOUND HEALING) ON PAIN AND MUSCLE TONE IN WOMEN WITH CHRONIC PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION

Abstract

Background: The development of Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is multifactorial, with several mechanical,
physiological, and lifestyle-related factors contributing to its occurrence. Among physically active women, pelvic floor
dysfunction is commonly associated with participation in high-impact sports. Activities that involve repeated jumping,
running, and rapid changes in movement can place excessive stress on the pelvic floor muscles by repeatedly increasing
intra-abdominal pressure. Over time, these repetitive loads may impair the normal function and support provided by the
pelvic floor, increasing the likelihood of dysfunction. Therefore, effective management requires careful identification
and treatment of the factors contributing to the disorder. In this study an integrated treatment approach by incorporating
sound healing using tuning forks alongside Pelvic floor exercises has been introduce to reduce symptoms and improve
function.
Objective: The objective of the study is to i) Assess the efficacy of sound wave(sound healing) in rehabilitation to
improve pain and muscle tone in pelvic floor dysfunction, ii) Assess the efficacy of traditional pelvic floor exercises to
improve pain and muscle tone in pelvic floor dysfunction, iii) assess the qualitative measures on women’s pelvic floor
muscles.
Methods: 30 Athletes Diagnosed with Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) by the Physiotherapy department, Orthopedic
department OPD, sports rehab department were initially assessed for the inclusion or exclusion criteria. Prior to the
treatment procedure patient are oriented to the study.
Outcome measure: VAS (Visual Analog Scale), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnare (PFIQ-7) is used for measuring pre
and post intervention evaluation.
Results: The 6-week intervention protocol produced clinically and statistically significant improvements in both VAS
pain scores and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnare (PFIQ-7) measures in Group A, with the greatest benefits in pain-
related and functional domains. Group B demonstrated smaller, less consistent improvements.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the exercise program played a significant role in reducing symptoms and
improving function, while the addition of tuning fork (sound wave therapy/sound healing) appeared to provide further
clinical benefits. These additional effects may have enhanced the overall treatment outcomes observed in the
intervention group.