CAPACITIVE RESISTIVE MONOPOLAR RADIOFREQUENCY IN COMBINATION WITH MANUAL PHYSIOTHERAPY TO TREAT DYSPAREUNIA IN YOUNG WOMEN: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.

Objective: To investigate the effects of combining Capacitive-Resistive Monopolar Radiofrequency (CRMRF) with perineal massage as manual therapy on dyspareunia-related pain and muscle strength. Design: This study utilized an experimental, analytical, longitudinal, and prospective single-blinded (patients) randomized controlled trial (RCT). Setting: The research was conducted at a university facility from November 2021 to February 2023. Population: The study involved 44 women aged between 18-30 years, experiencing pain during sexual intercourse. Methods: The participants were divided into two groups: the Intervention Group (IG) received manual therapy treatment involving perineal/Thiele massage with 448 KHz CRMRF, while the Control Group (CG) received the same treatment without CRMRF (device switched off). They underwent four sixteen-minute sessions and were evaluated at three time points: baseline, after the sessions, and three months later. Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome measures included pain during digital palpation and intracavitary stretching, vaginal dilator insertion, instrumental stretching, muscle strength, perceived pain during sexual intercourse, and perceived sexual satisfaction. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the intervention group compared to the control group. The intervention group demonstrated enhancements in measures such as manual stretching, pain during instrumental insertion, instrumental stretching, Oxford scale score, pain score, and subjective perception of sexual satisfaction. These improvements were sustained at the three-month follow-up. The control group also showed significant improvements in instrumental stretching, pain score, and subjective perception of sexual satisfaction. Conclusions: Physiotherapy, including perineal massage, provides effective pain relief for young women with dyspareunia. The incorporation of CRMRF in manual therapy improves pain perception, muscle function, and sustains its long-term effects.