Pain During Intimacy is Not Normal

Pelvic Physical Therapy Offers A Drug-Free, Non-Invasive Solution

Pain during intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, affects an estimated 10% to 20% of women in the United States, with prevalence varying by age and population. Despite its prevalence, many individuals endure this discomfort and do not seek helping, believing it is normal.

Why Does Dyspareunia Occur?

From a medical perspective, dyspareunia often involves hypertonic (tight) pelvic floor muscles, leading to muscle spasms and restricted blood flow. Manual therapy techniques aim to release muscle tension and improve tissue mobility, while biofeedback helps retrain the nervous system to promote coordinated muscle relaxation. Relaxation exercises further support this process by reducing overall muscle tension and enhancing pelvic floor function. In many cases these tight muscles once released are assessed and found to be weak which requires a graded strengthening program to ensure the muscles retain optimal function.

How does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Help?

Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a specialized, non-invasive approach to addressing dyspareunia. Therapists employ techniques such as manual therapy, biofeedback, and relaxation exercises to alleviate pain and improve sexual function. A systematic review indicates that manual therapy significantly reduces pain associated with dyspareunia, with improvements observed in the pain domain of the Female Sexual Function Index .

Incorporating pelvic floor physical therapy into treatment plans can lead to significant improvements in pain reduction, sexual satisfaction, and overall quality of life. It’s essential for individuals experiencing dyspareunia to seek professional evaluation and consider pelvic physical therapy as a viable treatment option.

An Innovative Way to Approach Dyspareunia

Shockwave therapy is a modern, non-invasive treatment for dyspareunia. This innovative technology is drug free and has been clinically proven through research and clinical trials to significantly reduce pain and improve reproductive health. Data from research has shown that Shockwave therapy also:

• Promotes blood flow including the formation of new blood vessel formation
• Relaxes pelvic muscles and nerves
• Promotes release of growth factors that contribute to tissue repair and regeneration

Specifically for dyspareunia, Shockwave therapy research has shown improvements in sexual function, increased vaginal sensitivity and lubrication in women with dyspareunia. It is commonly used as an adjunct to pelvic health physical therapy within a multi-disciplinary approach.