Vulvodynia is an uncomfortable pain in the area just outside the opening of the Vagina. Women who suffer from Vulvodynia can experience sensations of burning, stinging or rawness . The discomfort associated with Vulvodynia can make activities like sitting for long periods and having sex, feel uncomfortable.  The burning feeling or sensation occurs irrespective of any noticeable skin condition or infection.

Types of Vulvodynia

provoked – Pain associated with intercourse, sitting, wiping after urination, wearing underwear, undergoing an annual GYN exam or tampon insertion.

unprovoked – Pain associated with any type of touch, specific activity or clothing. Pain can be generalized to the entire vulva, or limited to just one area, such as the vestibule or clitoris.

Pain at the entrance to the vagina

Uncomfortable burning sensations

Stinging, itching, or raw feeling in vulvar tissue

Hyperalgesia—Painful response to increased stimulus

Dyspareunia—Painful intercourse

Allodynia – Pain triggered by light touch

Urinary urgency, frequency and incomplete emptying

Those who suffer from vulvodynia frequently have stiff pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor physical therapy can be particularly effective in treating vulvodynia.

After an initial evaluation of the musculoskeletal, fascial and pelvic region, our physical therapist will develop a custom treatment plan, which may include following treatment options:

Patient education – Vulvar anatomy, understanding basic pain science principles, and daily implementation

Internal and external manual therapy – Myofascial release, trigger-point inhibition, positional inhibition

Neuromuscular reeducation – Of pelvic floor muscles

External work – around hips and lower back, addressing tightness of muscles, and stiffness of joints in these regions

Biofeedback – Manual or EMG

Home program exercises – Including the use of progressive vaginal dilators, breathing and postural exercises, and lower body/hip stretches.

We accept PPO/POS plans for most insurance companies. Although most insurance companies cover physical therapy, what they cover varies greatly. Please call us at 201-366-1116 or complete below form so we can verify your specific plan benefits.