The successful treatment of women with vestibulodynia and its associated chronic pelvic floor dysfunctions requires interventions that address a broad field of possible pain contributors.
Pelvic floor muscle hypertonicity was implicated in the mid-1990s as a trigger of major chronic vulvar pain. Painful bladder syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and temporomandibular jaw disorder are known common comorbidities that can cause a host of associated muscular, visceral, bony, and fascial dysfunctions. It appears that normalizing all of those disorders plays a pivotal role in reducing complaints of chronic vulvar pain and sexual dysfunction. Though the studies have yet to prove a specific protocol, physical therapists trained in pelvic dysfunction are reporting success with restoring tissue normalcy and reducing vulvar and sexual pain. A review of pelvic anatomy and common findings are presented along with suggested physical therapy management.
Written by:
Hartmann D, Sarton J. Are you the author?
Dee Hartmann Physical Therapy, 1417 West Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642, USA; Sarton Physical Therapy, 13891 Newport Avenue, Suite 285, Tustin, CA 92780, USA. ;
Reference: Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2014 Jul 17. pii: S1521-6934(14)00132-1.
doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2014.07.008
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25108498
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