Physical Therapy for Endometriosis

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 reproductive-aged individuals regardless of race.  Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, grows outside of the uterus in the pelvis and abdomen. Endometriosis has the potential to  on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines, bladder, and lining of the pelvis, and has  also been identified in almost every organ of the body. Endometriotic implants grow in response to estrogen and will cause inflammation that causes pelvic pain and can prevent successful reproduction due to adhesions. 

What are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

  • Pain With Intercourse 
  • Pain With Bowel Movements And Urination 
  • Severe Pelvic Pain 
  • Problems With Reproduction

How Physical Therapy Can Help Endometriosis

Patients suffering from endometriosis experience dysfunction in their pelvic floor with increased tightness and reduced vascular flow. This results in pain in the pelvis leading to difficulty urinating, difficulty having bowel movements, painful sex, and pain with movement.

Pelvic floor therapy works to improve the pelvic floor function!  Multiple research projects show patients with endometriosis have improved pain relief and quality of life when treated with pelvic floor physical therapy either during their painful episodes or after surgery. Pelvic floor physical therapy includes manual relaxation and stretching exercises, manual techniques, EMG biofeedback down training, and patient education/behavior modification to improve patients’ understanding of their condition and how to have the best quality of life! 

Our Pelvic Floor Therapists Understand Endometriosis!

We are there to guide you through the sometimes-painful process of health care providers not providing you with the needed resources! We will be your advocate!

Physical therapist working with a patient on the floor at Aquacare