Physiotherapy approach in vulvodynia

Introduction: Vulvodynia is a long-term pain in the vulvaarea which has a negative impact on the emotional andpsychological status of women, sexual function andquality of life.Aim: To present the physiotherapy approach in vulvodynia.Materials and methods: A 24 - year old woman withvulvodynia is presented. The physiotherapy assessmentincluded assessment of posture, muscle strengththrough a manual muscle test, pain intensity using theNumeric Pain Scale, sexual function according to theFemale Sexual Function Inventory and quality of lifeaccording to the SF-36 Questionnaire. Physiotherapyintervention was based on stretching exercises,breathing exercises and pelvic floor muscle training.Results: The patient reports an improvement anddecrease in the intensity of pain due to vulvodynia,an increase in desire, arousal and orgasm and adecrease in the patient’s sexual dysfunction. Also,there is an increase in physical functioning, emotionalwell-being, social functioning, general health andpatients’ quality of life.Conclusion: This is a report of a rare and unusualcase of vulvodynia in a young woman. Physiotherapycontributes to reducing the symptoms of vulvodynia,but considering the complexity of the problem, it isessential teamwork.