Chronic Vulvar Pain

As May comes to a close we finish up pelvic pain awareness month with vulvodynia.

Vulvodynia is chronic pain in the vulvar region (see image below). Just under 10% of women have vulvodynia. It occurs equally across ethnicities and is very much under-diagnosed.

A study carried out in Michigan with over 2500 women found that it resolved in 17% of the women after 12.5 years. That seems like an extremely long time to suffer in silence.

Women typically report vulvar pain ranging from aching, throbbing, burning, stinging to constantly stabbing (knife-life). The vulvar region may also feel raw and irritated. There may be associated swelling in the region.

Your daily life can be significantly affected. Sex, tampon insertion, speculum insertion and prolonged sitting or tight fitting clothes can be problematic. Sometimes even touch can be uncomfortable. Some women lose complete interest in all sexual activities. As a result getting through each day is a challenge.

How is it treated?

First it has to be diagnosed which means making an appointment with your doctor. Some tips to manage it include wearing 100% cotton underwear during the day and going commando at night. Avoid irritants. Keep a diary to help you keep track.

Physical therapy offers great treatment options to manage vulvodynia conservatively. At Body Harmony Physical Therapy, our trained pelvic floor physical therapists can try various treatments to find what works for your body and your pain. Manual therapy including trigger point and/or myofascial release can help to soothe tight contracted muscles. Physical therapy treatments may also include joint mobilization, stretching of tight structures, strengthening of weak structures as well as showing you better postures and ways to perform tasks more efficiently. All patients receive a tailored home program to meet their needs and to enable treatment to go to the next level during the subsequent visit. Call us at 212-233-9494 to make an appointment.

Book an Appointment

Written & Edited by: Keely Faridi, PT

Image is edited from a Pelvic Guru image of the vulvar region and its nerve innervations.

References:

Reed et al 2012. Prevalence and demographic characteristics of vulvodynia in a population-based sample. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology Feb 206 (2): 170.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3779055/.
Accessed 5/25/2019

National Vulvodynia Association. https://www.nva.org/what-is-vulvodynia/
Accessed 5/28/2019

Persistent Vulvar Pain. Committee on Gynecologic Practice. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
https://www.acog.org/-/media/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Gynecologic-Practice/co673.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20160823T1239241453
Accessed 5/28/2019.

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Parsa Hamidnia

18:05 11 Jun 23

One of my good friends introduced me to Body Harmony after her own successful experience, and I could have not been happier! The process to start therapy was quiet easy as the staff are very helpful and responsive. Most importantly, the therapist that I have been seeing for four months now, Isha Mody, is exceptionally knowledgable, professional, respectful and genuinely a caring provider. Isha went above and beyond to ensure that the source of my pain is correctly identified and then began to instruct me to make practical changes in my habits and use correct stretches to relive and eliminate pain. I am very pleased with the care that I have been receiving from Body Harmony and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a great physical therapy provider

Philip Soloway

14:47 04 Jun 23

I had one-on-one therapy with my therapist for a male pelvic floor issue. My therapy lasted about 3 months. My therapist was very professional, answering my questions and providing explanations that were clear and thorough. The facility was clean and sessions were conducted in a private room. I would recommend this practice for anyone experiencing a pelvic floorissue.

Alex A.

17:53 13 Apr 23

If there’s one thing I actually looked forward to postpartum, it’s every PT session I attended at Body Harmony with Cheyenne. I thought my postpartum body was my forever body but investing in PT made me realize that anything can be repaired with proper breathing, form and consistency. All things that can easily overlooked when thrown into the chaos of motherhood!Body Harmony was very professional, highly educational and I would even say ESSENTIAL after a long painful pregnancy and labor journey. I’m excited to get back into running thanks to the program Cheyenne had created for me. Front desk was also super nice and welcoming.Surprised there aren’t any more reviews of this place - it was a godsend. I went from feeling like a floppy noodle on Day 1 to getting my core back and into my regular workout routine 15 weeks after. Definitely worth the investment. Thank you!!

Christopher Birstler

19:04 30 Mar 23

Body harmony PT studio is a hidden gem inside of the iconic Woolworth building. I am so great full that my medical provider listed them among recommended practices for my therapy needs. To start they got me in for my initial evaluation for pelvic floor treatment on the same day right after I left my provider with the referral. They continue to be accommodating to my scheduling needs and always welcome me with such kindness and a smile. I see Dr. Rosanne and only have the great things to say about her. Shes a veteran in her feild of pelvic floor therapy and it really shows with her breadth of knowledge and understanding of the body. She’s very warm, caring, sensitive and all around such a great therapist and human. She knows how to put you at ease and treats you like family as does the entire practice. I highly recommend BHPT and it’s so worth making the trip from Staten Island.

Lucy Shah

18:05 10 Mar 23

Words really cannot express how grateful I am for the amazing care that I've gotten from all of the kind and knowledgeable PTs at Body Harmony and especially from my primary PT Roseanne. Before I started treatment I was in so much pain, was limited in my daily activities and felt hopeless and defeated- in fact I was told by several doctors that surgery was my only option. I've now have regained my quality of life, resumed my previous level of activity and live almost pain-free- and without surgery. She's also taught me strategies and a home exercise program so that I can continue to manage independently. My experience here has been life-changing.

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Shanice A

02:03 26 Feb 23

Prior to our initial session at Body Harmony, we were very unaware of what Pelvic Floor Therapy was, rather it was something highly recommended by our midwives after a traumatic birthing experience.Thanks to the team here, from the secretary who greets you by name, to my amazing therapist Isha, my husband and I have learned so much! We leave every session feeling confident and knowledgeable of the progress we’ve made and the progress to come. I’d recommend Body Harmony to EVERYONE, Im now a fierce Pelvic Floor therapy advocate!

How is it treated?

References:

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