Women With Vulvodynia Can Find Relief With Physical Therapy

Main Category: Women's Health / Gynecology
Also Included In: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Article Date: 04 Dec 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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Many women with vulvodynia, an unexplained pain or discomfort in the vulva can find relief with physical therapy, according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Vulvodynia, which affects an estimated 14 million American women*, is characterized by rawness, itchy, burning, throbbing or tenderness in the area around the opening of the vagina. Frequently not discussed because of its intimate nature, vulvodynia can greatly affect the lives and personal relationships of women of all ages, races, and ethnicity.

"Women should understand that it is not common, nor should they expect to experience debilitating pain when they are sexually active, use a tampon, or even wear tight-fitting jeans," said physical therapist Pamela Morrison, PT, MS, DPT, BCIA-PMDB, IMTC. Morrison specializes in women's health physical therapy at Pamela Morrison Physical Therapy in New York City, New York.

"Women who experience pelvic pain and discomfort will typically consult first with their general practitioner or gynecologist," Morrison notes. However, some doctors may not be familiar with the terms vulvodynia, vaginismus (vaginal muscle spasm with any kind of attempted penetration), or vulvar vestibulitis (vulvar pain local to the vaginal opening), she said. "If we can teach women with pelvic pain - either during intercourse or all the time - just one thing, it would be for them to know their options for medical treatment and to be their own best advocates when it comes to pelvic health."

"A physical therapist trained in treating pelvic floor muscle dysfunction will obtain a comprehensive medical history from a patient, as well as conduct both an internal and external examination," said Erin Hytrek, DPT, a physical therapist specializing in women's health at Physical Therapy Specialists, PC, in Sioux City, Iowa. Physical therapists can work with patients by using gentle manual manipulation to, soften, and lengthen muscles, both intra vaginally and intra rectally along with other techniques aimed at treating weakness, tension and pain.

Morrison notes that causes for pelvic floor muscle dysfunction can include muscle pain, weakness, incoordination, spasm or result from tearing during childbirth, and that physical therapist treatment can also include therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and biofeedback.

"Another vital service that physical therapists provide to women who experience pelvic pain is patient education," notes physical therapist Dee Hartmann, PT, owner of Dee Hartmann Physical Therapy for Women in Chicago, Illinois. "Ninety-eight percent of my patients have vulvodynia, with varying degrees of pain around the vulva and vagina. I can't tell you how many times they had been previously told by other doctors that their symptoms were psychosomatic or, most likely, a yeast infection." Hartmann noted that most of her patient's pain is significantly diminished, if not eradicated, in 7-15 weeks of once-weekly treatment.

Consumers can download information from APTA's Section on Women's Health regarding pelvic pain and how physical therapists can help at http://www.apta.org/consumer

Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and manage individuals of all ages, from newborns to elders, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

The American Physical Therapy Association is a national organization representing more than 73,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students nationwide. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapist education, practice, and research. Consumers can access "Find a PT" to find a physical therapist in their area, as well as physical therapy news and information at http://www.apta.org/consumer.

American Physical Therapy Association

*The National Institutes of Health (NIH)