Bilag 12 - Danske Fysioterapeuter

Abstract
Background: Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition of the vulva with an unknown
origin, which has only come in the public spotlight in recent decades. There has been a
gradual increase in patients with vulvodynia that are referred to physiotherapy treatment
because of secondary tension in pelvic floor arising from the pain condition. The
research and literature about the physiotherapy treatment specifically for patients with
vulvodynia is still deficient. This prompted us to speculate what is contained in the
physiotherapy treatment and what it is based upon.
Objective: The project aims to examine the methods used in physiotherapy for patients
with vulvodynia in Denmark, and what factors influence the physiotherapy intervention.
Method: Triangular study with a quantitative survey with 67 respondents and a
qualitative study in the form of four semi-structured interviews. The interviewees are
physiotherapists who work in the gynecological/obstetric field. The questionnaire uses
descriptive statistics producing a series of graphs. The interviews are analysed according
to Malterud’s systematic text condensation.
Results:
Questionnaire: Over 80% of the surveyed physiotherapists use relaxation, pelvic floor
exercises, body awareness, stretching exercises, vaginal examination and breathing
exercises as treatment for these patients. There are, in addition, a wide range of other
therapies used in varying degrees.
Interviews: The basis for intervention is mainly based on clinical experiences and shared
experiences of colleagues. The type of treatment is based upon the individual patient's
welfare, reactions and needs, as well as the physiotherapist's individual perceptions. In
general the physiotherapists questioned would like to see more courses, more literature
and better interdisciplinary collaboration, especially between doctors, psychologists and
sexologists.
Conclusions: Overall, there are many different methods of treatment used in such a
narrow issue. The treatment is primarily focused upon the "best practice" for the
individual patient, and it affects the physiotherapy intervention, where interdisciplinary
cooperation is not optimal.