What IS Hypertonic Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Hypertonic Pelvic Floor, also called (levator ani syndrome) or (vaginismus) is a common cause vestibulodynia (pain of the vestibule) and dyspareunia (painful sex).

It occurs when the muscles that make the floor of the pelvis and back part of the vestibule become tight and tender.

When these muscles are tight, blood flow is restricted, delivering less oxygen to cells and causing a buildup of lactic acid. (OUCH)

The lactic acid causes the sensations of burning, rawness, throbbing, stabbing and aching.

A hypertonic pelvic floor is a persistently contracted pelvic floor. This constant contraction puts pressure the uterus, bladder, bowel and other structures.

This can lead to urinary pain, incontinence, pelvic tilt, hip instability, weak core muscles/upper body and low back/hip pain.

There is no one defining cause of a hypertonic pelvic floor; however, there are several known factors and activities which can lead to the muscles tightening up.

o    High levels of stress, anxiety, fear, traumatic events, an abuse history

o    Gynecological: Endometriosis, Fibroids, PCOD, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Pregnancy

o    Genitourinary: Interstitial Cystitis, Cystocele, Prostatitis, Sexually Transmitted Disease

o    Gastrological: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chrons Dz, Ulcerative Colitis

o    Colorectal: Hemorrhoids, Anal Fissure, Proctalgia Fugax, Hx Colectomy

o    Neurological: Pudendal Neuralgia, Migraines, MA, Viral infections

o    Rheumatic: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Fibromyalgia, Connective Tissue Disorder with Hypermobility

o    Musculoskeletal: Labral Tear Hip, Lumbar Radiculopathy Coccyx Injury

Treatment includes pelvic floor therapy, biofeedback, pelvic floor relaxation exercises, vaginal dilators, rectal or vaginal suppositories, trigger point injections, and Botox injections.