Is Multimodal Physiotherapy andor Photobiomodulation Therapy Effective for Pain Reduction Among Those Who Experience Provoked Vestibulodynia a Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the management of provoked vestibulodynia PVD, a common type of vulvovaginal pain affecting many women during sexual and non-sexual activities. This trial is a randomized controlled study comparing the effectiveness of photobiomodulation PBM, multimodal physiotherapy mPT, and their combination to reduce pain severity and improve related symptoms. The study aims to provide evidence on pain reduction and patient outcomes over time, including follow-ups at 6 months and 1 year. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups sham PBM control, real PBM, mPT with sham PBM, and mPT combined with real PBM. The PBM treatment uses a laser system delivering red and infrared light progressively over 15 sessions in 14 weeks, with treatment lasting about 20 minutes each. The mPT involves 10 physiotherapy sessions focusing on education, relaxation, pelvic floor muscle exercises, manual techniques, and vaginal dilator use. Those in combination groups receive both treatments during the same visits. Participants are asked to avoid vaginal penetration during the first 8 weeks. During the study, participants will attend regular treatment sessions and complete assessments including pain questionnaires, sensitivity tests, and sexual function evaluations. Pain severity will be measured at baseline, after treatment, and at 6 and 12 months. Adherence to home exercises and any side effects will be monitored. The study includes close safety oversight, and participants in the sham PBM group will have the option to receive real PBM after the study ends.

Biomodulation and Rehabilitation Interventions to tarGet Pelvic Health