Role of the Physical Therapy in the Multidisciplinary Approach to Vulvodynia: preliminary results

Objectives: In the clinical practice different specialists approach to the women with vulvar pain, often without an integrated care pathway. Recently, musculoskeletal factors have been recognized as contributors of the mechanism of vulvodynia. The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of the physical therapy as a first line treatment multidisciplinary in vulvodynia management. Methods: Between October 2013 to October 2014, 14 women with vulvar pain (according to ISSVD Vulvodynia 2003 Classification) referred to the Lower Female Genital Tract Outpatient Service of our Hospitals. Every woman was submitted to a Physical Therapy Pathway, managed by a trained midwife and composed by manual therapy and pelvic floor exercises. The efficacy of Physical therapy was assessed by adopting VAS score. Results: After 4 months-treatment, 9 patients reported an improvement in vulvar and sexual pain with good relief (reduction of 2-3 points VAS score). Two patients lost to follow up. Three patients referred any significantly effect Conclusions: Vulvodynia is a complex syndrome associated to sexual dysfunctions and worstening of quality of life. According to our preliminary results, Physical Therapy may play a pivotal role, in an integral component of the multidisciplinary approach.