Vulvodynia
Experiencing pain and discomfort during intercourse? Come visit our physiotherapists to assess and understand the treatment procedure that will alleviate your pain
With our clinics located across GTA at Clarkson, Mississauga and Etobicoke, finding the right treatment plan for your Pelvic Health Conditions is no longer difficult. Suffering from Vulvodynia? Drop in at one of our clinics for an in-person guided session that will help you understand your condition and provide treatment options.
What is Vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition that affects the vulva, which is the external female genital area. It is characterized by pain, burning, itching, or stinging that lasts for several months or longer and can significantly affect a woman's quality of life. The pain can be constant or intermittent and may be provoked by touch or pressure, such as during sexual activity or when wearing tight clothing.
The two main types of vulvodynia are:
- Generalized Vulvodynia - Pain occurs in different areas of the vulva without a specific cause.
- Localized Vulvodynia - Pain occurs in one specific area of the vulva, usually at the entrance to the vagina.
The condition of Vulvodynia seems to be related to a combination of factors, including nerve damage or irritation, muscle spasms, hormonal changes, infections, or genetic factors. Our Expert Pelvic Physiotherapist is the best treatment available to help manage the pain, to unblock the nerve endings, and counseling. It is important to see a specialist pelvic physiotherapist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What are the symptoms of Vulvodynia?
The symptoms of vulvodynia can vary from person to person, but the most common symptom is chronic vulvar pain that lasts for three months or longer. The pain may be described as:
- Burning
- Stinging
- Rawness
- Itching
- Soreness
- Aching
- Throbbing
The pain may be constant or intermittent, and may be provoked or worsened by touch, pressure, or sexual activity. Some women may experience pain only when pressure is applied to the vulva, such as when sitting or wearing tight clothing. Additional symptoms may include:
- Discomfort during sexual activity
- Painful urination
- Painful bowel movements
- Dryness or irritation of the vulva
- Painful menstrual periods
- Fatigue or depression
It's important to note that some women with vulvodynia may not have any visible signs of irritation or infection, even though they experience significant pain and discomfort.
Read more about Pelvic Health Conditions for women.
What can a physiotherapist do to help in Vulvodynia?
Our trained physiotherapists that specialize in pelvic floor dysfunction can help identify any muscle tension or weakness in the pelvic floor that may be contributing to the pain. We use a variety of techniques to help manage the pain and improve pelvic floor function, including:
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Relaxation Exercises: These exercises can help reduce muscle tension in the pelvic floor and improve blood flow to the area, which can help reduce pain and discomfort.
- Biofeedback Therapy: Biofeedback can help the patient learn to control and relax their pelvic floor muscles.
- Manual Therapy: This may involve massages and stretching, or soft tissue manipulation of the muscles in the pelvic floor to help reduce tension and improve blood flow.
- Education and Counseling: We provide education and counseling on lifestyle changes and behavioral modifications that can help manage the pain and improve quality of life.
Our overall goal for vulvodynia is to improve pelvic floor function and reduce pain and discomfort, allowing women to resume normal activities and enjoy a better quality of life. We have qualified and experienced physiotherapists with specialization in pelvic floor dysfunction.
Pelvic Floor problems bothering you? Come find the perfect care with our Top Rated Therapists that are trained to help you recover faster. Check out our operating hours at our locations.
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