Female Pain Syndrome Therapy

Proper evaluation of a key muscle group can identify pelvic floor myalgia (muscle pain) – an often unsuspected but highly treatable cause of painful sexual intercourse and pelvic pain.

The reasons for myalgia can be Vaginismus and/or Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome. This is a common cause of sexual pain and is the condition associated with the involuntary tightness of the pelvic floor muscles.

For many women the state of their pelvic floor muscles is not obvious unless there is an attempt to introduce something into the vagina. This can be experienced commonly with intercourse, tampon use or speculum insertion. The pain is often described as soreness, burning pain or dull ache. Some women feel that there is a “blockage” or wall inside the vagina preventing penetration.

Occasionally, urination and defecation can also be affected and become difficult or abnormal.

Treatment

Physical therapy is the recommended treatment for myalgia, vaginismus and vulvar vestibulitis.

• Breathing, postural and relaxation techniques
• Local massage for the tensed pelvic floor muscles
• Vaginal dilators (used only in some cases)
• Biofeedback program for teaching pelvic floor muscles relaxation techniques

Pudendal nerve stimulation can be applied to calm the pain