The condition and existing barriers to management and practice
My understanding of a ‘syndrome’ is that it seems to remain myth-like until serious research is undertaken and repeatedly produces the same findings in many patients. The Research for Pudendal Neuralgia is minimal worldwide, almost non-existent in Australia. Although specialists and therapists are documenting their work Pudendal Neuralgia can’t seem to penetrate its existence in Western Medicine’s Bible, and so it is unrecognised, misunderstood or ignored.
So when my physiotherapist at The Women’s Hospital mentioned Alesha Sayner and I heard she was compiling a presentation for her Masters specifically about Pudendal Neuralgia, I jumped at the opportunity to hand over all my experience knowing this is exactly what the issue desperately needed. I was even more enthusiastic that Alesha was interested in documenting WorkCover’s understanding (not) and treatment (not) for injured worker’s with the issue.
Thank you Alesha Sayner and The Women’s Hospital for this huge first step, so crucial to Australian sufferers of Pudendal Neuralgia, such therapy for me too!
Alesha’s introduction and presentation
This presentation was completed as part of the Masters of Women’s Health and Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Physiotherapy program through the University of Melbourne. During clinical placement at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Alesha assisted in the management of patients experiencing chronic pelvic pain. Consistencies were noted in the difficulty in diagnosis, recognition and effective management of sufferers of Pudendal Neuralgia.
In collaboration with her supervisor, Alesha contacted Soula to link the evidence with the anecdotal experiences of a person who has encountered the symptoms and been provided a diagnosis of Pudendal Neuralgia. The key barriers identified were: Delay in diagnosis through process of elimination of other pathology; Pudendal Neuralgia is a Chronic Pain condition and has associated psychosocial concerns that need addressing in conjunction with manual therapy; Very little evidence exists in physiotherapy relating to early detection and appropriate management; Pudendal Neuralgia is not widely recognised as a condition by select compensable bodies, creating issues with injury claims.
An area of concern identified both in the literature and Soula’s experience, is limited community awareness about the condition – Amongst medical and non-medical members. This resource will aim to provide information about what evidence exists in relation to Pudendal Neuralgia, to assist in both the understanding of the condition and provide confidence to patients to discuss any related concerns with their medical practitioner.
Go for it (just keep it respectful please!)