What a Vulvodynia Diagnosis Means:
Vulvodynia means “vulvar pain” or pain of the external female genital region. Symptoms include burning, stinging, and irritation of the tissues in this region. Light touch or pressure can cause severe pain with sitting, walking, riding a bicycle, and sexual intercourse.
Some links to more information:
http://www.vulvodynia.com
https://issvd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/concensus-terminology-of-Vulvar-Pain-V5.pdf
PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENTS FOR PELVIC PAIN SYNDROMES:
Many of the pelvic pain syndromes as described are related to over activity of the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles typically have a high resting tone and have difficulty in relaxation. Increased muscle tone can also lead to overall muscular weakness.
Trigger points are commonly found when palpating these muscles. They contribute to the urologic and gynecological pain syndromes listed above, preventing painfree sexual intercourse and other painfree activities of daily living.
Physical therapy treatments play an integral part in restoring optimal muscle function with manual therapy interventions, stretching/strengthening exercises, pain management strategies, patient education, and home program instruction. Biofeedback is often utilized when appropriate to restore the normal functioning of painful muscles.