Dyspareunia

Relief from Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia) Through Specialized Physical Therapy

Dyspareunia—persistent or recurring pain during or after sexual intercourse—is a common and often under-discussed condition that can deeply affect physical, emotional, and relational well-being. If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain with intimacy, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to live with it. At our clinic, we offer compassionate, evidence-based physical therapy for dyspareunia to help you find relief and restore confidence in your body.

What Is Dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia refers to pain that occurs before, during, or after vaginal penetration. It may feel like sharp, burning, aching, or throbbing discomfort and can range from mild to severe. This condition can be caused by a number of physical or emotional factors, and often has more than one root cause.

Common causes include:

• Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction or tightness

• Scarring or sensitivity from childbirth or surgery

• Endometriosis, PCOS, or other gynecological conditions

• Menopause and hormonal changes (causing vaginal dryness or thinning)

• Infections or inflammation (like yeast infections or UTIs)

• Emotional trauma, anxiety, or stress related to intimacy or the body

How Can Physical Therapy Help with Dyspareunia?

Many people are surprised to learn that physical therapy—specifically pelvic floor physical therapy—is one of the most effective, non-invasive treatments for dyspareunia. Our therapists are specially trained to address the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular components of pelvic pain.

Treatment may include:

• Pelvic floor muscle assessment and retraining
  Learn how to relax overactive or tense pelvic muscles and rebuild healthy muscle coordination.

• Manual therapy techniques
  Gentle hands-on work to reduce restrictions, improve blood flow, and reduce sensitivity in painful areas.

• Biofeedback and guided exercises
  Helps you gain awareness and control of pelvic floor muscles for better comfort and function.

• Breathing and relaxation techniques
  Supports nervous system regulation, reduces pelvic tension, and helps reconnect with your body.

• Education on posture, body mechanics, and sexual function
  Empowering you with the tools and knowledge to prevent pain and feel more in control of your healing.

Who Can Benefit from Pelvic Floor Therapy for Dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re postpartum, post-menopausal, recovering from surgery, or have been dealing with pain for years, our team is here to help with empathy and expertise.

We treat:

• Postpartum or post-surgical scar sensitivity

• Vaginismus and hypertonic pelvic floor muscles

• Pain after trauma or assault

• Hormonal-related pain

• Pelvic pain without a clear medical diagnosis

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your comfort and privacy are our top priorities. At your first visit, we’ll start with a thorough conversation about your history, symptoms, and goals. From there, we’ll assess your pelvic floor (externally or internally, with your consent) and develop a customized treatment plan to move forward at your pace.

Many patients report significant improvement in pain, confidence, and sexual health with consistent, tailored physical therapy.

You Deserve a Life Without Painful Intimacy

If painful sex is interfering with your quality of life, know that it’s not something you just have to accept. Healing is possible. Contact us today to schedule a private consultation with one of our pelvic health specialists—and take the first step toward comfort, confidence, and connection.