Effectiveness of physical therapy interventions in women with dyspareunia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions, including Thiele's massage, for treating female dyspareunia.
Results Summary
Thiele's massage was among the interventions studied and was found to optimize and guarantee the reduction of pain intensity in patients with dyspareunia, though the meta-analysis did not specifically highlight its standalone efficacy compared to other treatments.
Population
Women experiencing dyspareunia.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
electrotherapy | decrease | pain | patients with dyspareunia | - | showed significant results | #1 |
electrotherapy | increase | quality of life | patients with dyspareunia | - | showed significant results | #2 |
electrotherapy combined with pelvic floor muscle training | decrease | pain | patients with dyspareunia | - | showed significant results | #3 |
electrotherapy combined with pelvic floor muscle training | increase | quality of life | patients with dyspareunia | - | showed significant results | #4 |
electrotherapy | no change | sexual function | patients with dyspareunia | - | did not show significant results | #5 |
electrotherapy combined with pelvic floor muscle training | no change | sexual function | patients with dyspareunia | - | did not show significant results | #6 |
strengthening of the perineal musculature | decrease | pain | patients with dyspareunia | - | is one of the most important aspects | #7 |
application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation | decrease | pain | patients with dyspareunia | - | is one of the most important aspects | #8 |
manual trigger point release therapy | decrease | pain intensity | patients with dyspareunia | - | optimize and guarantee the reduction | #9 |
Thiele massage | decrease | pain intensity | patients with dyspareunia | - | optimize and guarantee the reduction | #10 |
BACKGROUND: Dyspareunia is defined as the occurrence of pain during or after sexual intercourse, which directly affects physical, sexual, and mental health. This condition can lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem in women who experience it. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions for the treatment of female dyspareunia. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. METHOD: Search of publications was conducted in Scopus, Medline, Pubmed, Cinahl and Web of Science. Treatment effects were defined as standardized mean difference and their 95% confidence intervals. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using Crohan's Q test and quantified using the I RESULTS: Of the 19 articles selected, six applied multimodal physiotherapy treatments; five, electrotherapy; three, Thiele's massage; two, interdisciplinary interventions or pelvic floor muscle training; and one, extracorporeal shockwave therapy. The meta-analysis showed significant results for the variables pain and quality of life with the interventions based on electrotherapy and electrotherapy combined with pelvic floor muscle training. These interventions did not show significant results for the improvement of sexual function. CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapy techniques are effective and procedures have been identified with reliable results in improving pain and quality of life in patients with dyspareunia. One of the most important aspects is the strengthening of the perineal musculature and the application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Furthermore, manual trigger point release therapy and Thiele massage, optimize and guarantee the reduction of pain intensity. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42021236155.