|
Mini study into the effectiveness of Arvigo Massage for treating CPPS/Chronic Non Bacterial Prostatitis (CNBP) December 2010
The following results were part of a preliminary study into treating Prostatitis. Karl continues to modify and adapt the treatment to find the best solution for his patients, with each new case he sees his depth of knowledge and understanding of the condition increases. The results of the treatments he offers are very encouraging and his main aim is to come up with a universally sound approach to treating this poorly understood condition.
The purpose of this study is to measure the effectiveness of Arvigo Massage in treating male CPPS/CNBP. The study took 12 males suffering with CPPS/CNBP and offered them 3 treatments over approximately 6 weeks. The snow fall and festive season at the end of 2010 meant that some patients have only received 2 treatments and some only 1, (these patients have not been included in the report). I included one patient, who has been a lifetime sufferer, into the study who has had 6 treatments.
The results are by no means conclusive and I would be giving false information, based upon the study so far, to say this is a guaranteed way of managing and successfully treating the aforementioned condition. It does however suggest that Arvigo Massage can have a positive effect in treating CPPS/CNBP, giving patients tools that they can use for the rest of their lives, if necessary, to keep pains and discomforts at bay.
The aim of this study was not to come up with the ultimate approach to treating CPPS/CNBP but to find an additional mode of treating patients, one that would work alongside current treatment protocol and enhance what has already gone before. There are currently several approaches to treating CPPS/CNBP and all have varying levels of success. If we can take a unified, holistic approach to each individual, listening to their range of symptoms, gaining greater understanding into what makes their case unique and treating accordingly, using the range of treatments that are available, including Arvigo Massage, if suitable, then we have
more chance of successfully treating and managing patients conditions.
Each treatment followed certified Arvigo techniques and was adapted to each individual depending on their presenting symptoms e.g. If a patient presented with tight hamstrings (which in my mind was having a negative effect on their condition) I would spend more time treating the hamstrings - stretching, increasing range of motion and releasing tension as opposed to someone who didn’t present with tight hamstrings, in which case I would only use standard treatment protocol.
All patients received tailored homework to their individual cases, increasing their chances of managing their own condition. This included a healthy diet sheet (written by my business partner and fiancé Nicole Ferguson who is a highly qualified Nutritionist, Colonic therapist and Iridologist) and the practice of Self- Care Massage (a form of abdominal massage that the individual carries out upon themselves on a daily basis, based upon some of the techniques used during the full treatment). The self care homework was given to all patients bar one - I felt that because of additional complications, his condition may have worsened. Other forms of homework included Sitz baths, tennis ball massage to the perineum, exercise advice and mini training programmes, relaxation and stress management techniques and mini detox’s or cleanses where appropriate.
Each patients needs were assessed and homework was given accordingly, during each follow up session the homework was reviewed and adjusted if necessary.
At the end of the mini study each patient was given a questionnaire to fill out, this has formed the outcomes you will see below.
What is Arvigo Massage?
ATMAT (Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy) is a unique healing approach to male, female and digestive health issues. This gentle therapy addresses the body as a whole, viewing it as one, knowing that pain and discomfort experienced in one part of the body may well be caused by another. By addressing stress patterns, what we eat, how we relax and what lifestyles we lead, the therapist is able to build up a picture of what is happening within the patient and then treat accordingly and more effectively.
Arvigo Massage in treating male CPPS/CNBP
The treatment consists of deep tissue massage to the lower back, sacral and coccygeal areas, relieving tensions, reducing scar tissue and improving nerve communication to the pelvis and associated organs. Deep stretches to the legs, gluteus muscles and lumbar region of the back increase blood and lymph flow, increasing mobility and range of movement to the pelvis, whilst trigger point therapy releases pelvic floor muscles often associated with male pelvic issues. Lower abdominal massage above the pubic bone towards the umbilicus, through the bladder to the prostate and associated fascial connections releases tension, increasing blood and lymphatic flow, removing stagnation and congestion from this most vital of glands. Upper abdominal massage relaxes the diaphragm increasing arterial blood flow to the pelvis, bringing with it vital nutrients, vitamins and oxygen, essential to the healing process of damaged tissues, overstretched muscles, ligaments and tendons. Whilst venous blood flow, also increased through relaxation of the diaphragm, removes lactic acid, Co2 and harmful toxins from the affected areas, assisting in lymphatic drainage whilst restoring homeostasis.
The first appointment lasts for 2 hours, the first 45-60 minutes is spent reviewing the Arvigo intake form I have e-mailed to the patient to complete in advance, the remaining time is spent treating the patient and answering any questions they may have. The second treatment lasts for 90 minutes, the first 30 minutes are spent reviewing the patient since their last visit, answering any questions and assessing any improvements, with the remaining 60 minutes used for treatment and adjusting or adding further homework. The third appointment and any subsequent treatments last 1 hr and involve treatment, assessment and review.
Results of the mini study
Patient 1
Age 59 suffered for 4 years
Number of treatments – 3
Which number best describes your symptoms before and after receiving ATMAT
(1 is no pain and 10 is as bad as it could be)
|
|
Before
|
After
|
|
Pain - penis (base)
|
|
|
|
Pain - penis (tip)
|
|
|
|
Pain - penis (shaft)
|
|
|
|
Pain - prostate
|
5
|
2
|
|
Pain - testicles
|
|
|
|
Pain - rectum
|
|
|
|
Pain - perineum
|
5
|
2
|
|
Pain - lower back
|
|
|
|
Pain - inner thighs
|
|
|
|
Pain - pubic bone
|
4
|
2
|
|
Pain - urethra
|
5
|
2
|
|
Pain after ejaculation
|
5
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH CPSI)
|
|
|
|
Pain
|
11
|
9
|
|
Urinary Symptoms
|
8
|
4
|
|
Quality of Life Impact
|
10
|
7
|
Patients comments on other symptoms that have been improved since receiving ATMAT - Some improvement in urinary frequency - varies according to diet and time of day. Some improvement in urinary urgency too. Nocturnal urination never too much of a problem
Patient 2
Aged 64, suffered for 2 years
Number of treatments – 3
Which number best describes your symptoms before and after receiving ATMAT
(1 is no pain and 10 is as bad as it could be)
|
|
Before
|
After
|
|
Pain - penis (base)
|
5
|
3
|
|
Pain - penis (tip)
|
8
|
3
|
|
Pain - penis (shaft)
|
6
|
3
|
|
Pain - prostate
|
9
|
3
|
|
Pain - testicles
|
8
|
3
|
|
Pain - rectum
|
3
|
3
|
|
Pain - perineum
|
8
|
6
|
|
Pain - lower back
|
|
|
|
Pain - inner thighs
|
4
|
2
|
|
Pain - pubic bone
|
7
|
2
|
|
Pain - urethra
|
3
|
3
|
|
Pain after ejaculation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH CPSI)
|
|
|
|
Pain
|
16
|
7
|
|
Urinary Symptoms
|
7
|
5
|
|
Quality of Life Impact
|
7
|
5
|
Patients comments on other symptoms that have been improved since receiving ATMAT -Constipation reduced; nocturnal urination reduced; sleep quality improved; general well being improved; ability to walk without discomfort improved, can walk further and faster -. Blood in urine disappeared.
Patient 3
Aged 63, suffered for 2 years
Number of treatments – 2
Which number best describes your symptoms before and after receiving ATMAT
(1 is no pain and 10 is as bad as it could be)
|
|
Before
|
After
|
|
Pain - penis (base)
|
6
|
2
|
|
Pain - penis (tip)
|
|
|
|
Pain - penis (shaft)
|
|
|
|
Pain - prostate
|
6
|
2
|
|
Pain - testicles
|
6
|
2
|
|
Pain - rectum
|
2
|
1 (no pain)
|
|
Pain - perineum
|
7
|
3
|
|
Pain - lower back
|
7
|
4
|
|
Pain - inner thighs
|
7
|
1 (no pain)
|
|
Pain - pubic bone
|
7
|
2
|
|
Pain - urethra
|
|
|
|
Pain after ejaculation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH CPSI)
|
|
|
|
Pain
|
15
|
10
|
|
Urinary Symptoms
|
4
|
2
|
|
Quality of Life Impact
|
11
|
7
|
Patients comments on other symptoms that have been improved since receiving ATMAT - I rarely get up in the night for a pee. Sleep was ok but even better since the massage
Patient 4
Aged 49, suffered for 1 year 8 months
Treatments – 3
Which number best describes your symptoms before and after receiving ATMAT
(1 is no pain and 10 is as bad as it could be)
|
|
Before
|
After
|
|
Pain - penis (base)
|
|
|
|
Pain - penis (tip)
|
|
Pain - penis (shaft)
|
|
|
|
Pain - prostate
|
4
|
2
|
|
Pain - testicles
|
4
|
2
|
|
Pain - rectum
|
2
|
2
|
|
Pain - perineum
|
3
|
2
|
|
Pain - lower back
|
2
|
1 (no pain)
|
|
Pain - inner thighs
|
|
Pain - pubic bone
|
4
|
3
|
|
Pain - urethra
|
|
|
|
Pain after ejaculation
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
1 (no pain)
|
|
NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH CPSI)
|
|
|
|
Pain
|
0
|
0
|
|
Urinary Symptoms
|
9
|
5
|
|
Quality of Life Impact
|
10
|
7
|
Patients comments on other symptoms that have been improved since receiving ATMAT - stress levels reduced urinary frequency reduced slightly
Patient 5
Aged 62, suffered for 5 years
Treatments - 3
Which number best describes your symptoms before and after receiving ATMAT
(1 is no pain and 10 is as bad as it could be)
|
|
Before
|
After
|
|
Pain - penis (base)
|
|
|
|
Pain - penis (tip)
|
|
Pain - penis (shaft)
|
|
|
|
Pain - prostate
|
3
|
2
|
|
Pain - testicles
|
1 (no pain)
|
|
Pain - rectum
|
|
Pain - perineum
|
|
Pain - lower back
|
4
|
4
|
|
Pain - inner thighs
|
|
Pain - pubic bone
|
|
Pain - urethra
|
|
|
|
Pain after ejaculation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH CPSI)
|
|
|
|
Pain
|
0
|
0
|
|
Urinary Symptoms
|
6
|
5
|
|
Quality of Life Impact
|
5
|
3
|
Patients comments on other symptoms that have been improved since receiving ATMAT - Patient didn’t find improvement in any other symptoms
Patient 6
Aged 42, suffered for 1 year
Treatments – 3
Which number best describes your symptoms before and after receiving ATMAT
(1 is no pain and 10 is as bad as it could be)
|
|
Before
|
After
|
|
Pain - penis (base)
|
|
|
|
Pain - penis (tip)
|
8
|
2
|
|
Pain - penis (shaft)
|
6
|
3
|
|
Pain - prostate
|
|
Pain - testicles
|
|
Pain - rectum
|
|
Pain - perineum
|
|
Pain - lower back
|
|
Pain - inner thighs
|
|
Pain - pubic bone
|
5
|
2
|
|
Pain - urethra
|
7
|
2
|
|
Pain after ejaculation
|
5
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH CPSI)
|
|
|
|
Pain
|
13
|
10
|
|
Urinary Symptoms
|
4
|
2
|
|
Quality of Life Impact
|
11
|
7
|
Patients comments on other symptoms that have been improved since receiving ATMAT - Urinary frequency less. Reduced pain on urination. Thus - less distressing. No nocturnal urination now. Stress seems much less.
Patient 7
Aged 36, suffered for 3 months
Treatments – 3
Which number best describes your symptoms before and after receiving ATMAT
(1 is no pain and 10 is as bad as it could be)
|
|
Before
|
After
|
|
Pain - penis (base)
|
|
|
|
Pain - penis (tip)
|
2
|
1 (no pain)
|
|
Pain - penis (shaft)
|
|
|
|
Pain - prostate
|
6
|
3
|
|
Pain - testicles
|
2
|
1 (no pain)
|
|
Pain - rectum
|
6
|
4
|
|
Pain - perineum
|
6
|
3
|
|
Pain - lower back
|
2
|
2
|
|
Pain - inner thighs
|
2
|
2
|
|
Pain - pubic bone
|
4
|
2
|
|
Pain - urethra
|
|
|
|
Pain after ejaculation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH CPSI)
|
|
|
|
Pain
|
9
|
9
|
|
Urinary Symptoms
|
9
|
8
|
|
Quality of Life Impact
|
9
|
9
|
Patients comments on other symptoms that have been improved since receiving ATMAT- I am not sure if the massage helped that much. At the time it felt good, but the next day there was no difference. My symptoms improved much quicker with laxatives and anal cream on my fissure.
|
