Cold Laser: A Modality to Promote Vulvar Healing and Pain Relief

The objectives of this pilot study are to demonstrate effectiveness of application of the Erchonia Laser (manufactured by Erchonia Corporation),a non-invasive, non-significant risk low level laser red diode light therapy device, in providing relief of pain symptoms in patients with provoked and non- provoked vulvar vestibulitis; to reduce the frequency of use of oral medications to manage pain symptoms; and to reduce the debilitating affect vulvar vestibulitis has on the patient's daily activities, relationships and emotional well-being.

In the current proposed pilot study, application of a low level laser light device, manufactured by Erchonia Corporation, to reduce the pain of vulvar vestibulitis will be evaluated. The Erchonia Laser device will emit three independent 7 milliWatt, 635 nanometer red light diodes in a hand-held device and is a variable frequency pulsed wave device.

Erchonia low level lasers have been determined safe and effective and non-significant risk (NSR) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for application for numerous and various pain reduction indications, providing justification for the anticipated safety and effectiveness of application of the Erchonia Laser to reduce pain in patients with vulvar vestibulitis. The FDA has granted 510(k) clearances for Erchonia low level laser devices for five pain reduction indications, all cleared under Product Code 'NHN', defined as: "A light based non-laser device that emits energy in infrared or other wavelengths, provides non-heating and non-thermal effect, and is indicated for adjunctive use in pain therapy or related indication. It does not provide therapeutic topical heating."

The research will be conducted at ProHealth Care; Inc. across four campuses. Patients will be seen in private rooms in the therapy departments.

All study staff are licensed in the field of either Occupational Therapy or Physical therapy (2 in each) with the advanced continuing education necessary to call them a "specialist" in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders. All investigators will complete CITI training for research.

Subjects will be referred into the ProHealth Care system via a prescription for pelvic floor therapy signed by a licensed medical professional with the expertise to diagnose Vulvar vestibulitis. Written information regarding the study and proposed treatment will also be mailed to a larger group of pelvic floor therapists in the greater Milwaukee Wisconsin region through a "Pelvic Floor Study Group" list informing them of the need for subjects with this diagnosis so that they may inform their clients of the availability of such research. These clients may then request a referral from their private health care provider.

The pilot study will be completed in twelve months following the commitment of ProHealth Care, Inc. Institutional Review Board as well as procurement of initial funding through grants applied for during 2013. There will be 10 patients enrolled in the pilot study.

Patients will be screened after they are referred by their physician for physical therapy.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* • Female

  * 18 years or older
  * Current diagnosis of provoked or non-provoked vulvar vestibulitis made by a suitably qualified medical professional
  * Vulvar pain is chronic, defined as having been present for at least 3 months.
  * Visual Analog Score for typical vulvar pain is at least 30/100 Patient has been stabilized on all hormonal interventions (i.e., birth control pills, topical or oral estrogen agents) and will not be altered for the course of the treatment protocol of this study.
  * Subject is willing and able to decrease use of current pain relief medication to manage vulvar pain throughout study participation, and is willing and able to refrain from engaging in other non-study treatments to manage her vulvar vestibulitis symptoms

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Vulvar dermatoses such as lichen sclerosis, squamous cell hyperplasia, or lichen planus

  * Active vaginal or pelvic infection, herpetic infections, vulvar cancer and/or treatment for cancer
  * Previous vestibulectomy or other surgical or procedural interventions (for vestibulitis ) to the treatment area
  * Active infection, wound or other external trauma to the areas to be treated with the laser
  * Other neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis
  * Photosensitivity disorder
  * Pregnant or planning pregnancy prior to study end
  * Serious mental health illness, developmental disability or cognitive impairment that may preclude adequate comprehension of the consent form or ability to record study measures