BackTable / OBGYN / Podcast / Episode #84
Personalizing Pelvic Pain Treatment: Tools & Challenges
with Dr. Frank Tu
What if surgery isn’t the only answer to pelvic pain? In this episode of the BackTable podcast, host Dr. Mark Hoffman and co-host Dr. Amy Park welcome Dr. Frank Tu, Vice Chair for Quality at Endeavor Health and Director of the Division of Gynecological Pain and Minimally Invasive Surgery. The episode explores the complexity of chronic pelvic pain, emphasizing its multifactorial origins and individualized treatment approaches.
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BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2025, May 20). Ep. 84 – Personalizing Pelvic Pain Treatment: Tools & Challenges [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com
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Podcast Contributors
Dr. Frank Tu
Dr. Frank Tu is an OBGYN and the Vice Chair for Quality at Endeavor Health and Director of the Division of Gynecological Pain and Minimally Invasive Surgery at the University of Chicago.
Dr. Mark Hoffman
Dr. Mark Hoffman is a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon at the University of Kentucky.
Dr. Amy Park
Dr. Amy Park is the Section Head of Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, and a co-host of the BackTable OBGYN Podcast.
Synopsis
Dr. Tu shares insights into the persistence and treatment of chronic pelvic pain, the role of trauma, and the evolving understanding of endometriosis and other gynecological conditions. The discussion covers patient treatment modalities, the potential of artificial intelligence in medical diagnostics, and the significant role of non-surgical interventions like physical therapy. Dr. Tu's reflections on interdisciplinary collaborations, preventative approaches, and the future directions of gynecologic pain management provide a comprehensive overview of this complex field.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
05:21 - Mentorship and Influences
07:01 - Research and Innovations in Pelvic Pain
09:21 - Preventative Approaches to Chronic Pain
14:15 - Exploring Pain Mechanisms and Treatments
26:32 - The Role of Sensory Reintroduction
30:20 - The Importance of Mental Health
30:49 - Challenges in Treating Chronic Pelvic Pain
31:24 - The Role of Surgery and Mental Health in Pain Management
34:00 - Barriers to Effective Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
35:40 - The Complexity of Treating Dysmenorrhea
44:11 - Exploring Personalized Medicine and AI in Pain Management
51:22 - The Future of Pain Management and AI
54:25 - The Role of Big Data and AI in Medical Research
59:25 - Final Thoughts
Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.