Dyspareunia / Painful Sex Physiotherapy in Edmonton
Sex Shouldn't Hurt.
We're Here to Help.
Dyspareunia is the medical term for painful intercourse. Whether you experience pain with penetration, discomfort during intimacy, or lingering pelvic pain afterward, these symptoms can be frustrating, confusing, and difficult to talk about.
While painful sex is common, it is not something you simply have to live with.
At Shift Physiotherapy & Wellness, our pelvic health team provides compassionate, one-on-one pelvic floor physiotherapy to help identify the factors contributing to pain during sex and develop a personalized treatment plan. If you're in Edmonton, we're here to help you find relief and feel more comfortable and confident.
Whether your symptoms began after childbirth, surgery, menopause, or seemingly without explanation, we're here to help.
What Is Dyspareunia?
Dyspareunia is the medical term for pain during sexual intercourse. The pain may occur with penetration, deeper penetration, or after intimacy and is often described as burning, stinging, aching, or sharp.
Painful sex can affect your comfort, confidence, relationships, and quality of life. While it is a common concern, it is not considered normal.
The good news is that pelvic floor physiotherapy can often help identify contributing factors and provide treatment options to reduce symptoms.
Common Signs of
Dyspareunia
You may benefit from physiotherapy for painful sex if you experience any of the following:
Many people wait months or even years before seeking help because they assume the pain is normal. You deserve answers and support.
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Pain at the entrance with penetration
-
Burning, stinging, or aching sensations during intimacy
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Difficulty using tampons or menstrual cups
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Fear or anxiety around intimacy due to pain
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Pain during deeper penetrative sexual activity
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Pelvic pain that lingers after sexual activity
-
Feelings of tightness during
penetration
Why Painful Sex
Happens
Painful intercourse can happen for many reasons, and often several factors contribute to symptoms at the same time.
Some medical conditions, such as UTIs, STIs, yeast infections, and other infections, can also cause pain during intercourse and should be assessed by your physician. Having painful sex does not mean you simply have to live with it.
Common contributors
Pelvic floor muscle tension
Hormonal changes & vaginal dryness
Scar tissue from childbirth or surgery
Endometriosis
Vulvodynia
Chronic pelvic pain
Interstitial cystitis / bladder pain syndrome
Nervous system sensitivity
Stress and anxiety
How Physiotherapy Can Help With Painful Sex
At Shift Physiotherapy & Wellness, treatment starts with understanding your symptoms, experiences, and goals.
Your physiotherapist will assess what may be contributing to your symptoms and create a treatment plan tailored to your body and comfort level.
Treatment may focus on:
-
Reducing pelvic floor muscle tension
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Improving pelvic floor coordination
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Desensitization techniques
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Breathing and relaxation strategies
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Scar tissue management
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Education and guidance for vaginal dilator use
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Improving pelvic floor mobility
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Education about pain and symptom management
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Supporting a gradual return to comfortable intimacy
What's Included in
Pelvic Floor
Physiotherapy for
Painful Sex?
Your care plan may include:
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A detailed pelvic health assessment
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Review of symptoms, medical history, and goals
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Education about painful intercourse and contributing factors
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Pelvic floor and core assessment (when appropriate and with consent)
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Internal assessment when appropriate to better understand pelvic floor function
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Personalized exercises and movement strategies
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Relaxation and breathing techniques
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Pelvic floor down-training strategies
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Scar tissue assessment and treatment
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Dilator training
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Ongoing support and progress tracking
Everything is done in a private, respectful environment where your comfort matters.
The Benefits of Pelvic Floor
Physiotherapy for Painful Sex
Pelvic organ prolapse physiotherapy in Edmonton can help you:
01
Feel More
Comfortable During
Intimacy
Reduce pain and discomfort
associated with intercourse.
02
Better Understand
Your Symptoms
Learn what may be contributing to your pain and what treatment options are available.
03
Improve Pelvic Floor
Function
Address tension, coordination, and
movement patterns that may be contributing to symptoms.
04
Improve Confidence &
Quality of Life
Return to intimacy, exercise, and
daily activities with greater comfort
and confidence.
What to Expect at Shift
Physiotherapy & Wellness
1
Conversation & Assessment
We start by listening. Your physiotherapist will discuss your symptoms, medical history, goals, and concerns in a supportive and judgment-free space.
2
Personalized Evaluation
A gentle physical assessment may be completed based on your symptoms and comfort level. Internal assessment is only completed with your consent and when appropriate. An internal assessment can provide valuable information about pelvic floor muscle tension, coordination, tissue sensitivity, scar tissue mobility, and other factors that may be contributing to painful intercourse.
3
Your Personalized Plan
You'll leave with a better understanding of your symptoms and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
4
Ongoing Support
We work with you over time to reduce symptoms, build confidence, and help you return to the activities that matter most to you.
Why Patients Choose Shift for Help With Painful Sex in Edmonton
Talking about painful sex can feel vulnerable.
At Shift Physiotherapy & Wellness, we create a supportive, compassionate space where nothing is "too awkward" to discuss.
We focus on:
One-on-one personalized care
Evidence-informed physiotherapy treatment
Education that helps you understand your body
Compassionate pelvic health support
Helping you feel stronger, more confident, and more in control
You do not have to navigate these symptoms alone. We're here to help.
If painful intercourse, pelvic
pain, or pelvic floor tension is
affecting your quality of life,
support is available.
If you're in Edmonton and struggling with dyspareunia (painful sex), book an
appointment with Shift Physiotherapy & Wellness and learn how our expert pelvic
health team can help.