Latest podcast: The Wise-Anderson Protocol Can Help Dispel the Fear, Helplessness and Pain of Pelvic Pain LISTEN NOW
+1 (707) 874-2225
Alternate +1 (707) 332-1492
info@pelvicpainhelp.com
es Español ru Русский pt Português zh-hans 简体中文 fr Français de Deutsch ja 日本語 it Italiano
eBook Now Available in 9 Languages

Published Research & Clinical Evidence

30+ years of peer-reviewed studies from Stanford Medical Center
validating the Wise-Anderson Protocol for chronic pelvic pain treatment

Find Relevant Research

Wise-anderson Protocol Shows 72% Success Rate in Chronic Pelvic Pain Treatment

Journal of Urology 2015 RCT 146 Patients

Groundbreaking randomized controlled trial demonstrates that the Wise-Anderson Protocol significantly reduces pain and improves quality of life in patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome, offering hope to millions suffering from this debilitating condition.

72% Pain Reduction
6 mo Sustained Relief
83% Would Recommend
28% After
72% After 6mo
83% After 12mo

Patient Improvement Over Time

2016 Trigger Point Therapy

Wise-Anderson Protocol — The Trigger Point Wand Proven to Help Pelvic Pain

Marketwired Press Release

What This Means for You

The Wise-Anderson Protocol and FDA-cleared trigger point wand help relieve pelvic pain by teaching patients to release internal pelvic muscle trigger points on their own.

3 Key Findings

✓ Internal trigger point release helps reduce pelvic floor pain
✓ Many “prostatitis” patients have pelvic muscle dysfunction, not infection
✓ Self-treatment with proper training shows significant symptom relief

Decades of research show many diagnosed with prostatitis actually suffer pelvic floor dysfunction. The FDA-cleared internal trigger point wand enables trained patients to release internal pelvic trigger points, with published studies supporting symptom improvement.

  • Clinical trial of 393 patients (2008–2011) showed significant symptom reduction at 6 months.
2005 Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Treatment Outcomes

Integration of Myofascial Trigger Point Release and Paradoxical Relaxation Training Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain in Men.

The Journal of Urology

What This Means for You

A program combining pelvic trigger point release with deep relaxation cut pain and urinary symptoms for many men with hard-to-treat pelvic pain, often outperforming prior treatments.

3 Key Findings

✓ 72% had moderate/marked benefit.
✓ 50% saw ≥25% symptom drop.
✓ Pain −69% and urinary −80% in ≥50% responders.

Prospective case series (n=138) using MFRT+PRT: 72% reported moderate/marked improvement (GRA). ≥25% PPSS decrease in >50%; among ≥50% responders, pain −69% and urinary −80%. Median 8-point pain drop by ~5 sessions. NIH-CPSI mirrored gains.

  • 72% global improvement.
  • Median −8 pain points by ~5 sessions.
  • 69% pain, 80% urinary reduction (best responders).
2006 Treatment Outcomes

Sexual Dysfunction in Men with Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: Improvement after Trigger Point Release and Paradoxical Relaxation Training.

The Journal of Urology

What This Means for You

Releasing tight pelvic muscles plus deep relaxation training eased pain and improved sexual symptoms (libido, erections, ejaculatory pain) in men with hard-to-treat chronic pelvic pain.

3 Key Findings

✓ 92% reported sexual dysfunction at baseline.
✓ 70% achieved clinical improvement.
✓ Sexual symptoms improved 77–87% in responders.

Prospective series (n=146) of refractory CP/CPPS treated with TPR+PRT. At baseline, sexual dysfunction in 92%. GRA “marked/moderate” in 70%; NIH-CPSI decreased 7–9 points; PPSS sexual symptoms improved 77–87% among responders.

  • 70% global improvement.
  • NIH-CPSI −7 to −9 points.
  • 77–87% sexual symptom gain.
Chronic Pelvic Pain

Variations in Psychometric Profiles and Awakening Cortisol Responses in Men with Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome.

American Urological Association (AUA)

What This Means for You

Men with chronic pelvic pain reported much higher stress and anxiety and had a bigger morning cortisol surge than healthy men—pointing to a real stress–body link in CPPS.

3 Key Findings

✓ CPPS shows markedly higher psychosocial distress.
✓ All nine BSI scales elevated; GSI ~94th pct.
✓ Stronger cortisol awakening response (HPA shift).

Case–control (CPPS n=33; controls n=18): higher distress across BSI scales; PSS and BAI elevated (p<0.002 and p<0.001). Cortisol awakening response increased (slope 0.90 vs 0.59; p=0.05), consistent with HPA-axis dysregulation in CPPS.

    2008 Chronic Pelvic Pain

    Psychometric Profiles and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Function in Men with Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome.

    The Journal of Urology

    What This Means for You

    Men with chronic pelvic pain reported much higher stress and anxiety and showed a stronger morning cortisol spike than healthy men—pointing to a real stress–body link in pelvic pain.

    3 Key Findings

    ✓ Higher perceived stress/anxiety in CPPS.
    ✓ BSI scales elevated; GSI ~93rd percentile.
    ✓ Increased cortisol awakening; HPA dysregulation.

    Case–control study (45 CPPS, 20 controls) found markedly elevated distress (BSI, PSS, BAI) and augmented cortisol awakening response (mean slope 0.85 vs 0.59; p<0.05), consistent with HPA axis dysregulation in CPPS.

    • CAR slope 0.85 vs 0.59.
    • GSI 93rd vs 48th pct.
    • Stress/anxiety p<0.001.
    2019 Myofascial Release Studies Trigger Point Therapy

    Painful Myofascial Trigger Points and Pain Sites in Men With Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

    The Journal of Urology

    What This Means for You

    Stanford maps trigger points causing pelvic pain: specific muscle knots reproduce pain at penis (90%), perineum (78%), rectum (71%). Proves muscle treatment targets for chronic pain.

    3 Key Findings

    ✓ Trigger points reproduce pain at all 7 sites
    ✓ Penis pain most common (90.3% of men)
    ✓ Specific muscles map to specific pain areas

    72 men with CP/CPPS underwent trigger point mapping. Palpation of specific myofascial points reproduced pain at reported sites (p<0.05). Puborectalis/pubococcygeus reproduced penile pain >75% (p<0.01). External oblique elicited suprapubic/testicular/groin pain >80% (p<0.01).

    • 90.3% had penile pain
    • 75% accuracy mapping trigger points
    • 5 of 7 sites reproduced >50% of time
    2011 Myofascial Release Studies Trigger Point Therapy

    New Article Reports Wise-Anderson Protocol Helps 82% of Men Diagnosed With Prostatitis

    The Doctor's Channel (Internet TV for doctors)

    What This Means for You

    Stanford study proves 82% of men with chronic pelvic pain improve with 6-day intensive protocol combining trigger point therapy and relaxation, even after other treatments failed.

    3 Key Findings

    ✓ 82% of patients reported improvement
    ✓ 60% achieved ≥6-point CPSI reduction
    ✓ 30% decrease in symptom scores

    6-day intensive protocol for refractory CP/CPPS (n=116, median symptoms 4.8 years). NIH-CPSI scores decreased 30% (p<0.001), 60% achieved ≥6-point reduction. Global response: 82% improved (59% marked/moderate). Combines myofascial release with paradoxical relaxation training.

    • 82% improved overall
    • 4.8 years median pain duration
    • 4 out of 5 success rate
    2010 Myofascial Release Studies Trigger Point Therapy

    Intensive Therapy Regimen Helps Men with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

    Medscape Medical News

    What This Means for You

    6-day Stanford immersion program combining trigger point therapy & relaxation training helped 60% of chronic pelvic pain patients achieve significant improvement lasting years.

    3 Key Findings

    ✓ 60% achieved ≥6-point CPSI reduction
    ✓ 59% reported moderate/marked improvement
    ✓ 78% continued relaxation exercises

    125 men with refractory CP/CPPS (median symptoms 4.8 years) underwent 6-day intensive myofascial trigger point therapy plus cognitive behavioral therapy. NIH-CPSI scores decreased 30% (P<.001). 60% achieved ≥6-point reduction. 59% reported moderate/marked improvement at 3-42 month follow-up.

    • 30% reduction in NIH-CPSI scores
    • 4.8 years median symptom duration
    • 78% compliance with home program
    2011 Treatment Reviews

    Drug therapies for CP/CPPS: help or hype?

    Nature Reviews Urology

    What This Means for You

    Stanford experts reveal most common CP/CPPS drugs don't work - antibiotics and alpha-blockers show minimal benefit despite being widely prescribed. Better treatments needed.

    3 Key Findings

    ✓ Conventional drugs show minimal clinical benefit
    ✓ UPOINT phenotyping improves outcomes
    ✓ Multimodal therapy beats single drugs

    Editorial critiquing JAMA meta-analysis of CP/CPPS drugs. After adjusting for publication bias, α-blockers and antibiotics showed no clinically significant benefit. Authors emphasize need for phenotyping (UPOINT) and multimodal therapy over failed conventional medications.

    • 4 points - NIH-CPSI reduction not clinically meaningful
    • 6 points - threshold for clinical significance
    • Small effect sizes overinflated by publication bias
    2011 Treatment Tools & Device Studies

    Safety and effectiveness of an internal pelvic myofascial trigger point wand for urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome

    Clinical Journal of Pain

    What This Means for You

    Stanford study proves internal trigger point wand safe & effective: 95.5% of chronic pelvic pain patients found relief, with pain scores dropping from 7.5 to 4 after 6 months.

    3 Key Findings

    ✓ 95.5% found wand very/moderately effective
    ✓ Pain sensitivity reduced 47% (7.5 to 4)
    ✓ Zero serious adverse events

    Open-label pilot study (n=113) evaluating internal myofascial trigger point wand for UCPPS. Median VAS sensitivity decreased from 7.5 to 4.0 at 6 months (P<0.001). 95.5% reported moderate/high effectiveness. No serious adverse events. Home use protocol after supervised training.

    • 95.5% found wand very/moderately effective
    • Pain sensitivity reduced 47% (7.5 to 4)
    • Zero serious adverse events
    2011 Treatment Tools & Device Studies

    Safety and Effectiveness of an Internal Pelvic Myofascial Trigger Point Wand for Urological Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (UCPPS)

    American Urological Association

    What This Means for You

    95% of chronic pelvic pain patients found trigger point wand effective. Pain dropped from 7.5 to 4 after 6 months. Safe self-treatment with no serious side effects reported.

    3 Key Findings

    ✓ 95% rated wand very/moderately effective
    ✓ 39% achieved >50% pain reduction
    ✓ Zero serious adverse events

    Open-label pilot study (n=113) testing internal myofascial trigger point wand for UCPPS. Median baseline sensitivity 7.5 decreased to 4.0 at 6 months (p<0.001). 95% reported moderate/high effectiveness. 39% achieved >50% reduction. No serious adverse events. Protocol: 2-3x/week, 5-10 min.

    • 95% effectiveness rating
    • 47% pain reduction (7.5 to 4.0)
    • 72% completion rate (113 of 157)
    2011 Treatment Tools & Device Studies

    Self-massage shows benefit in CP/CPPS patients with myofascial pain

    Urology Times

    What This Means for You

    DIY pelvic floor massage with special wand helps 95% of chronic pelvic pain patients, cutting pain nearly in half (7.5 to 4) and saving money on physical therapy visits.

    3 Key Findings

    ✓ 95% found treatment very/moderately effective
    ✓ Pain dropped from 7.5 to 4.0 (6 months)
    ✓ 39% had >50% pain reduction

    Self-administered internal myofascial release using j-shaped rigid wand with integrated algometer. 95% (106/111) reported moderate/high effectiveness. Pain scores decreased from 7.5 to 4.0 at 6 months. 39% achieved >50% reduction. Treatment 2-3x/week for 5-10 minutes.

    • 95% effectiveness rating
    • 47% pain reduction (7.5 to 4.0)
    • 39% achieved >50% improvement
    2011 Treatment Tools & Device Studies

    Trigger Point Wand Eases Chronic Pelvic Pain

    Medscape Medical News

    What This Means for You

    Stanford study proves trigger point wand is safe & effective: 87% of chronic pelvic pain patients improved after 6 months, with pain dropping from 7.5 to 4 on 10-point scale.

    3 Key Findings

    ✓ 87% of patients showed pain reduction
    ✓ Pain scores dropped from 7.5 to 4.0
    ✓ Zero serious side effects reported

    Open-label pilot study (n=113) of refractory UCPPS patients using internal myofascial trigger point wand. Median pelvic muscle sensitivity decreased from 7.5 to 4.0 (P<.001) at 6 months. 87% showed improvement. No serious adverse events. Requires 3-4x/week self-treatment.

    • 87% improved - after 6 months
    • 47% reduction - in pain (7.5 to 4.0)
    • 72% completion - rate (113 of 157)
    2011 Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

    Prostate Gland: The Scapegoat of Urology

    Bartlett's Integrated Health Journal

    What This Means for You

    Expert reveals 95% of men diagnosed with prostatitis don't have prostate problems - the real culprit is pelvic floor dysfunction causing similar urinary symptoms.

    3 Key Findings

    ✓ 95% of prostatitis cases aren't prostate-related
    ✓ Pelvic floor dysfunction mimics prostate symptoms
    ✓ Physical trauma often triggers PFD

    Editorial citing Anderson & Wise research: 95% of prostatitis diagnoses show no infection/inflammation. Pelvic floor dysfunction from musculoskeletal issues mimics BPH symptoms. Proper biomechanical assessment and patient history can differentiate PFD from true prostate pathology.

    • 95% misdiagnosed - prostate not the problem
    • Men under 55 - most affected by PFD
    • Multiple causes - skiing, biking, childhood habits
    2011 Awards & Recognition

    Safety and Effectiveness of an Internal Pelvic Myofascial Trigger Point Wand for Urological Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

    American Urological Association (AUA) 2011 Annual Scientific Meeting

    What This Means for You

    Stanford's trigger point wand for pelvic pain selected as top research from 2,000+ studies at major urology conference, recognizing its effectiveness for chronic pelvic pain treatment.

    3 Key Findings

    ✓ Selected as top 2% of all urology research (40 of 2,000)
    ✓ Recognized for scientific soundness & public impact
    ✓ First wand device honored by AUA

    Internal pelvic myofascial trigger point wand abstract selected for AUA Press Program (40 of 2,000 abstracts). Elite recognition indicates scientific validity and clinical significance for UCPPS treatment using Wise-Anderson Protocol methodology.

    • #1 innovation - First trigger point wand recognized
    2011 Myofascial Release Studies Trigger Point Therapy

    6-Day Intensive Treatment Protocol for Refractory Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Using Myofascial Release and Paradoxical Relaxation Training

    The Journal of Urology

    What This Means for You

    Stanford study shows 6-day intensive program combining trigger point therapy & relaxation training helped 82% of men with chronic pelvic pain who hadn't improved with standard treatments.

    3 Key Findings

    ✓ 82% of patients reported improvement (59% marked/moderate)
    ✓ Pain scores decreased 30% after treatment
    ✓ Benefits sustained at median 6-month follow-up

    RCT of 116 men with refractory CP/CPPS (median 4.8 years) showed 30% reduction in NIH-CPSI scores after 6-day protocol of myofascial trigger point release and paradoxical relaxation training. 59% achieved moderate/marked improvement on GRA at 6-month follow-up.

    • 72% - Success Rate

    © 2026 National Center for Pelvic Pain Research. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy