Hands-On therapy may ease painful sex for women

NCT ID NCT07495085

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether combining two manual therapy techniques—fascial manipulation and perineal massage—can improve quality of life for women with dyspareunia (pain during vaginal penetration). Fifty Portuguese women with pelvic floor muscle spasms were split into two groups: one received both therapies, the other only perineal massage, over five weekly sessions. Researchers measured sexual function, pain, anxiety, depression, stress, physical activity, and sleep quality before, at week 6, and at week 12.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Manual therapy (fascial manipulation and perineal massage)
What this could lead to
If successful, this combination therapy could offer a non-drug option to ease pain and improve sexual function and quality of life for women with dyspareunia.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed study with only 50 participants, so results may not apply to all women. The therapy is manual and depends on practitioner skill, and long-term benefits are not yet known.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Centro de Saúde de Urgezes

    Guimarães, Guimarães, 4810-503, Portugal

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