If you've been struggling with burning, itching, or aching pain in your vulva—often with no obvious reason—you're not alone. This condition, called vulvodynia, affects up to 20% of women at some point in their lives. It’s a frustrating, painful problem that can get in the way of everything from exercising to intimacy. But there’s good news: pelvic floor physical therapy can help.
What is Vulvodynia?
Simply put, vulvodynia is chronic vulvar pain with no clear cause, often described as a burning or itching feeling that can be constant or flare up during activities like sitting, exercise, or intercourse. Unlike pain that comes with an infection or other visible cause, vulvodynia can be hard to diagnose and even harder to treat—leaving many women feeling helpless or unheard. Thankfully, we now know that it often links to pelvic floor dysfunction, meaning muscles in the pelvic area are tense, strained, or irritated. This is where pelvic floor physical therapy comes in.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps
Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on reducing tension, improving coordination, and strengthening the muscles in the pelvic area. Think of these muscles as a supportive “hammock” that helps us with everyday functions like going to the bathroom, supporting our organs, and even enjoying pain-free intimacy. When these muscles become too tight or “hypertonic,” they can lead to a lot of pain and discomfort.
By working with an experienced pelvic floor therapist, you can learn techniques to relax these muscles, relieve pain, and regain control over the area. For many women with vulvodynia, this is a life-changing approach that gets to the root of their pain without relying on invasive treatments.
Meet Dr. Bailee Burningham, Your Pelvic Health Specialist
At Bonneville Pelvic Health, Dr. Bailee Burningham is a Board-Certified Specialist in Women’s Health Physical Therapy with nine years of experience treating complex pelvic pain disorders like vulvodynia. With a deep understanding of persistent pelvic pain, she takes a compassionate, individualized approach to help patients find lasting relief.
Why Do the Pelvic Floor Muscles Become Tight?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For some, pelvic muscle tightness comes from stress, past trauma, or even chronic infections that cause the body to stay in a "guarded" or tense state. For others, it could stem from hormonal changes, certain medications, or underlying nerve problems. Here’s a quick look at some of the known factors associated with vulvodynia:
Chronic infections: Recurrent yeast or urinary tract infections can lead to inflammation and sensitivity.
Nerve irritation: Sometimes, nerves in the pelvis can get irritated, leading to sharp, shooting pains.
Hormonal changes: Shifts in hormones during menopause or from certain medications can make the vulva more sensitive and prone to pain.
Stress and lifestyle factors: Stress can cause us to tense our muscles, even subconsciously, leading to pain over time.
What to Expect During a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Session
If you're new to the concept of pelvic floor physical therapy, it’s natural to feel a little uncertain about what the process involves. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you feel more comfortable and prepared:
Step 1: Understanding Your Story
A big part of the process is learning about your experiences and pain history. We will take the time to understand your health history, lifestyle, and symptoms. Understanding the history of pain (when it started, what makes it better or worse) is key for finding the right path forward.
Step 2: Examining the Pelvic Floor
This exam might include checking areas around the abdomen, hips, and pelvis to locate points of tension or pain. Internally, a gentle examination of the pelvic floor muscles may help pinpoint which muscles are overly tight or tender. While this part of the evaluation may feel a bit unfamiliar, Dr. Bailee prioritizes patient comfort and will ensure that you are fully informed and in control throughout the entire process.
Step 3: Crafting a Treatment Plan
Based on your individual needs, we will create a treatment plan that may include various hands-on techniques and at-home exercises. Here are some of the main tools used to help ease your pain:
Manual therapy: Gentle hands-on techniques to release tight muscles and ease tension.
Muscle relaxation exercises: Specific exercises to help relax the pelvic muscles, relieve pain, and improve control.
Education on pain management: Understanding the causes of pain can help reduce fear, stress, and tension around it.
Home exercises: Gentle stretching, deep breathing, and other easy exercises to maintain progress between therapy sessions.
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Research shows that pelvic floor physical therapy can be a powerful tool for reducing pelvic pain, especially when combined with other treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for managing stress and anxiety. Studies indicate that combining physical therapy with pain management techniques can decrease pain, increase flexibility, and improve blood flow. With the right approach, women with vulvodynia can find relief and return to the activities they love.
Finding the Right Therapist for You
Finding a pelvic floor therapist with experience treating vulvodynia can make a big difference in your journey to healing. As a board-certified specialist, Dr. Bailee Burningham has extensive training in treating complex pelvic pain disorders and is dedicated to helping patients reclaim their quality of life. If you’re looking for expert care in a supportive environment, Bonneville Pelvic Health is here to help.
Takeaway
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a gentle, supportive, and natural way to address the root causes of vulvodynia and other types of pelvic pain. By focusing on muscle relaxation, coordination, and pain management, this therapy offers a personalized path to relief—without invasive treatments or medication-heavy plans. If you’re ready to take back control over your pelvic health, Dr. Bailee Burningham at Bonneville Pelvic Health is here to guide you toward lasting relief.
Written by:
Dual Board-Certified Pelvic Floor Therapist and Owner of Bonneville Pelvic Health
As an expert in pelvic floor rehabilitation, Dr. Bailee Burningham brings extensive experience in treating complex pelvic floor disorders. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
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