Vulvodynia Sufferers: Seek Massage Therapy to Help Ease Pain

Vulvodynia is a complicated condition that affects so many women that there is no consensus on how many actually suffer from this type of chronic pain. Vulvodynia is a pain syndrome that affects the vulva, labia, and the entrance to the vagina. The pain associated with this condition is described as burning, stabbing, aching, itching, throbbing, or irritated. The syndrome can present with generalized or localized pain and can be triggered by pressure or can occur at rest.

Experts believe that some risk factors may contribute to the development of vulvodynia. One consideration is injury to the nerves that supply sensation to the vulva. Another cause may be an abnormal response of various cells in the vulva to environmental factors such as infection or trauma. Other considerations may include genetic factors associated with susceptibility to chronic vestibular inflammation or a localized hypersensitivity to yeast (Candida). Lastly, researchers have speculated that spasms of the muscles that support the pelvis might be related to vulvodynia. Although what triggers individual cases of vulvodynia has not been determined, the pain is widespread and massage can help control some of the discomfort associated with this chronic condition.

Women who suffer from vulvodynia often have associated pain in the hip, sacroiliac, coccyx, or lower back. Many women also experience tight adductor, hamstring, and gluteal muscles that are in a constant state of contraction due to the body promoting pelvic floor pain. The joints of these muscles can become tight and inflexible, adding more pain to the pelvic region. Excess muscle tension that occurs in the hamstrings, adductors, glutes, and lower back becomes a cycle of pain and can worsen the physical symptoms of vulvodynia, leading to decreased quality of life. Some women reported withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed because the pain of their condition prevented movement or interest.

Muscle relaxation training and massage therapy are an important and overlooked treatment method to address vulvovdynia. The physiological effects of massage have been shown to provide relief for women suffering from vulvodynia. Massage helps relax and soothe injured and overused muscles by causing vasodilation in skin and muscles that have become accustomed to the stimulating and stressful responses of the sympathetic nervous system. Deeper tissue massage triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers. If the pain subsides, the body is under less stress and the parasympathetic nervous system is more likely to be activated, helping to maintain homeostasis. Therefore, since massage relaxes the client and reduces sympathetic activity, the pain is likely to be less bothersome and disturbing to the individual.