Vulvodynia and Vestibulodynia

Pelvic Physical Therapy Support in Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale

Burning. Stinging. Rawness. Irritation. Pain with touch. Vulvodynia and vestibulodynia are real, complex pain conditions that involve the vulvar tissue, pelvic floor muscles, and nervous system. Pelvic floor physical therapy addresses the musculoskeletal and neurosensory contributors to persistent vulvar pain.

What Is Vulvodynia?

Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar pain lasting at least 3 months without a clear infection or skin condition.

Pain may be:

  • Constant or intermittent

  • Burning, stinging, or sharp

  • Triggered by touch or spontaneous

  • Localized or generalized

What Is Vestibulodynia?

Vestibulodynia is a subtype of vulvodynia affecting the vestibule — the tissue at the vaginal opening.

Pain is often triggered by:

  • Tampon insertion

  • Penetrative intercourse

  • Gynecological exams

  • Tight clothing

  • Prolonged sitting

It may feel like tearing, burning, or intense sensitivity at the entrance.

Why Does This Happen?

Vulvar pain is often multifactorial and may involve:

  • Pelvic floor muscle overactivity

  • Nerve sensitization

  • Hormonal changes (including postpartum or contraceptive-related)

  • Tissue inflammation

  • Scar tissue

  • History of recurrent infections

  • Nervous system hypersensitivity

Even when tissue looks healthy, pain can persist due to altered nerve signaling and muscle guarding.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Vulvar pain frequently involves protective muscle tension and nervous system sensitization.

Over time this can lead to:

  • Pelvic floor guarding

  • Decreased blood flow

  • Reduced tissue mobility

  • Heightened pain response

Physical therapy focuses on calming the nervous system, restoring tissue mobility, and retraining pelvic floor coordination.

In Our Sessions We May Work On:

  • Pelvic floor down-training and relaxation

  • Gentle internal manual therapy (optional and consent-based)

  • External soft tissue work

  • Scar tissue mobilization (if applicable)

  • Desensitization techniques

  • Breathwork and nervous system regulation

  • Gradual return-to-penetration strategies

  • Education on lubrication and tissue support

Common Conditions Associated With Vulvar Pain

Request an Appointment

 FAQs

  • Your first visit will include a thorough conversation about your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. We'll do a full-body assessment, including posture, breathing, and movement patterns. If appropriate and with your consent, we may also assess your pelvic floor. From there, we’ll begin building a personalized treatment plan.

  • Yes, when appropriate and with full consent. Internal exams can be a helpful tool for understanding pelvic floor function and potential causes of dysfunction. If together we decide on an internal exam, just pants and underwear need to come off! Ps. Yes, you can be on your period for them!

  • Wear something comfortable that allows you to move freely.

  • Yes, as an out-of-network provider I will provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance.

  • Every body is different. Some clients feel better after just a few visits, while others benefit from ongoing support. We’ll create a plan that fits your goals, timeline, and lifestyle—and I’ll be honest with you every step of the way.