Pain with Intercourse

Are You Noticing Pain with Intercourse? If So, Physical Therapy Can Help

If you are a woman suffering from occasional or chronic pelvic pain, especially pelvic pain with intercourse, physical therapy can help.

At Synergy Manual Physical Therapy, we believe that this topic should not be one that women should be embarrassed about – in fact, many women experience pain during intercourse but don’t seek help due to embarrassment. However, our Colorado Springs, CO physical therapists are here to start the conversation of how to relieve your pelvic pain so you can enjoy your time with your partner, rather than experiencing discomfort.

Pain with intercourse is commonly referred to as “dyspareunia.” According to Healthline, dyspareunia can be defined as:

“Dyspareunia is the term for recurring pain in the genital area or within the pelvis during sexual intercourse. The pain can be sharp or intense. It can occur before, during, or after sexual intercourse.”

Pelvic pain can occur for a vast number of reasons, and a certain pelvic therapy is known as “pelvic floor rehabilitation” can help reduce or eliminate the pain and symptoms you are experiencing. If you are experiencing pain with intercourse, pain that may be present at the vaginal opening and/or deep pelvic pain, pain with tampon insertion, or pain with a pelvic examination from your doctor, contact us today for more information.

How can physical therapy help relieve pain with intercourse? 

A common treatment for pelvic pain is known as pelvic floor rehabilitation.

This specific form of physical therapy works on strengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the pelvic floor. When muscles in the pelvic area become tight or weak, your daily life can be greatly affected, as this region helps in supporting the core of your body and is an integral part of everyday movement. Therefore, tight or weak pelvic floor muscles could lead to pain with intercourse.

It is important to note that there is also a wide variety of conditions that could lead to pain with intercourse, and our (town) physical therapists can help diagnose the root of the problem before providing treatment.

One of our dedicated physical therapists will evaluate your medical history and provide a musculoskeletal examination to determine what specific type of treatment you’ll need. Some common techniques used during pelvic floor rehabilitation include:

Postural exercises

These exercises are aimed at improving posture and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles that affect posture. These exercises are typically done with large therapy or medicine balls.

Myofascial exercises

These exercises will target the pelvic floor muscles and the connecting fascia. This treatment may include light exercise, in addition to stretches and massage, in order to target painful trigger points and provide relief.

Diaphragmatic breathing

Deep breathing exercises allow your diaphragm to expand and contract, which helps in relaxing muscles in the pelvic area. When the muscles are relaxed, they will drop and lengthen, providing pain relief and allowing for regained function.

Relaxation techniques

Relaxation is a large part of physical therapy. It allows your muscles to ease tension, making it easier for them to be stretched and massaged. Your physical therapist may suggest some certain techniques, such as guided imagery or biofeedback, in order to help you relax.

How can I get started?

If you are experiencing pain with intercourse, pain that may be present at the vaginal opening and/or deep pelvic pain, pain with tampon insertion, or pain with a pelvic examination from your doctor, you are not alone. At (practice name), we are here to help make your daily life as comfortable as possible.

Request an appointment with one of our Colorado Springs, CO physical therapists today to discuss potential treatment plans and discover how you can live your life pain-free.