title: Management of dyspareunia and associated levator ani muscle overactivity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Musculoskeletal dysfunction is a known cause of dyspareunia and a reason for referral for physical therapist management. The purpose of this case report is to describe the physical therapist management of a patient with dyspareunia and overactivity of the pelvic-floor muscles with a limited number of visits and a focus on self-management strategies.
  
  
  METHODS
  This case involved a 30-year-old married woman with levator ani muscle overactivity and dyspareunia that was 1 year in duration.
  
  
  METHODS
  The therapist explained the anatomy and function of the pelvic-floor muscles during intercourse, instructed the patient on how to control the levator ani muscles, and instructed her on vaginal self-dilation techniques.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patient attended 3 physical therapy sessions over a period of 9 weeks. She performed vaginal self-dilation at home. She rated pain during intercourse as 0/10 on a verbal rating scale and had no remaining tenderness in the levator ani muscles at discharge.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Some women with dyspareunia may improve with an intervention that emphasizes education and vaginal self-dilation techniques. Future research should compare home-based and clinic-based treatments.
authors.affiliation: Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Unit, OU Pelvic and Bladder Health Clinic, 825 NE 10th, Ste 3400, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA. Kimberly-A-fisher@ouhsc.edu
authors.forename: Kimberly A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Fisher
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009126:Muscle Relaxation; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities