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• Chronic Pelvic Pain
• Vulvar & Vaginal Pain
• Female Urinary Incontinence
• Back Pain in Pregnancy
• Biofeedback for Pelvic Muscles: What is it? How does it work?

VULVAR & VAGINAL PAIN

 What is Vulvodynia or Vulvar Vestibulitis?

These are names for painful syndromes that cause the muscles around the vagina and pelvis to become painful and to spasm. Vulvodynia is chronic pain or discomfort of the vulva, the tissue on the outside of the female genitals. Vulvar vestibulitis is a subtype of vulvodynia, in which pain is experienced only when pressure is applied to the vulvar tussue, usually at the vaginal opening.

What is Vaginismus?

Vaginismus is involuntary spasm of the muscles around the vagina which makes vaginal penetration difficult, painful, or impossible.

The nerves, muscles, joints, and organs of the pelvic area are closely connected. Some causes of vulvar and vaginal pain include:

• Pelvic Floor Muscle Spasms: as a result of painful conditions of the pelvis such as endometriosis, injury to the hip or tailbone, chronic low back pain, or pelvic surgery.
• Scar tissue: from an episiotomy or tear, which affects the elasticity of the vaginal opening.
• Hypersensitivity of the nerves of the vulva.
• Yeast infections, urinary tract infections, skin disorders.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Start by discussing your problem with your physician. Ask for a referral to physical therapy. Physical therapy services are reimbursed by most insurance companies (see Insurance section of this website).

Painful conditions can develop many layers over time. Hilary Garrett, MS PT will begin by listening to your history and determining the specific cause of your pain. You can expect private, individualized treatment sessions. Hilary specializes in the treatment of vulvar and vaginal pain, and will be sensitive to your special needs. Her treatment approach is gentle.

Treatment Options

Your treatment options will be explained to you. You will receive extensive education on the causes of your pain and how you can help yourself at home.

1. Education.
2. Pelvic floor muscle strengthening.
3. Myofascial release and massage for overworked muscles.
4. Physical therapy treatments to lessen pain.
5. Exercise program customized to suit your needs and abilities.
6. Hands on therapy and exercise to restore movement in restricted joints.
7. Biofeedback therapy.

If you are unsure or would like more information about physical therapy options for your condition, please call Hilary Garrett.