Somatic Dysfunctions of Hip and Pelvis Overlooked in a Case of Vulvodynia.

Abstract

Vulvodynia is chronic perineal pain in women. Repercussions of this disorder can have a negative effect on women's health and lifestyle. The origin is often multifactorial, including pelvic and lower extremity somatic dysfunctions. If left untreated, these somatic dysfunctions can directly alter ligamentous tension on the pelvic floor and surrounding regions, resulting in perineal pain. Management of vulvodynia must be individualized due to the multifactorial etiology and complicated structure and function of the pelvic floor muscles. The authors present a case of vulvodynia in which osteopathic manipulative treatment was an effective management technique.