In this episode, I sit down with fellow pelvic health physiotherapist, Laura Werner from Victoria BC to discuss: 

• what the terms vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, vaginismus mean
• How common it is for women to experience vulvogaginal pain and why it is so often undiagnosed
• messages these clients are given
• the common path of management 
• symptoms that commonly bring these clients in to see a pelvic health physiotherapist
• what questions we ask as physiotherapists
• what does a physiotherapy assessment look like
• treatment options
• how to advocate for yourself

Laura Werner (she/her) graduated with a Master of Physical Therapy Degree from UBC in 2008. She has been practicing as a Registered Physiotherapist with specific training in the management and treatment of pelvic floor, abdominal, uro-gynecological and lumbopelvic dysfunctions since April 2010. Her passion for pelvic health physiotherapy was ignited during her women’s health practicum placement in her master’s program. Laura has also worked for the renowned Multidisciplinary Vulvodynia Program (now the Vulvar Pain Assessment Clinic) at Vancouver General Hospital. 

When not supporting her clients, Laura spends time with her three wonderful children. Although she no longer teaches, she is still an avid yoga student and takes any chance she can get to enjoy the outdoors.

Laura strives to grow and learn every day and is a self-proclaimed nerd. She is passionate about mental health, body positivity, and healthy sexuality.  

website: https://www.laurawerner.ca/

Resources mentioned in episode:

Vulvar Pain Assessment Clinic at Vancouver General Hospital: https://bcvulvarhealth.ca/

Edwards et al 2016 -Treating vulvovaginal atrophy/genitourinary syndrome of menopause: how important is vaginal lubricant and moisturizer composition? 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4819835/

Bornstein et al 2015 -  2015 ISSVD, ISSWSH, and IPPS consensus terminology and classification of persistent vulvar pain and vulvodynia

http://refhub.elsevier.com/S0889-8545(17)30081-5/sref1

Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find more:

my online course to walk you through pregnancy, birth prep and postpartum recovery: https://mommyberries.com

I offer online 1:1 appointments to help you address the physical symptoms holding you back from living your best life. 

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