Endometriosis - you should not have to live in pain
What exactly is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is known to be a “disease of menstruation”. It occurs when tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus forms outside of the organ, known as a lesion. This can result in increased inflammation in the body, specifically where the new tissue has formed.
Endometriosis can be found in several different places. It is most commonly found around the reproductive organs such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and ligaments. It can also be found in the lunges, diaphragm, spaces between organs, on the intestines, bladder, and bowel.
Who does it affect?
It is an illness that affects more than 200 million people, and 1 out of 10 women in the US alone. Unfortunately, most people with endometriosis go undiagnosed and have to live in debilitating pain.
Most people who are diagnosed are between 25-35 years old. However, it can start at the onset of periods when the person is a child.
Common symptoms of endometriosis include:
Unbearable stomach cramps associated with periods
Heavy periods that prolong for several days
Bowel and urinary issues
Nausea and/or vomiting
Pain during and after sexual activities
Infertility
Chronic Fatigue
Is this disease curable?
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for endometriosis at this time. However, current evidence suggests that surgery to remove the tissue is beneficial if it is done by a skilled and experienced surgeon who specializes in endometriosis. The surgery is shown to temporarily control the progression of the tissue growing outside of the uterus.
Pelvic Floor physical therapy has also been proven to be an effective treatment to help the symptoms of endometriosis.
How does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy help?
Endometriosis causes chronic inflammation which can cause pain in the abdominal and pelvic areas. Very often, muscles that form the pelvic floor have tightened in response to the chronic pelvic pain.
Even after the original source of pelvic pain has resolved, the muscles around the area can stay in a tightened position due to being unable to relax or stretch from the scarring. People can develop pelvic floor spasms which can be excruciating and make intercourse intolerable. People can also have pain and/or difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel due to the pelvic floor muscles being tight.
A pelvic floor physical therapist can help your muscles relax with hands on treatment as well as teaching you movements and exercises you can do at home. A trained therapist can also do abdominal work to help break up the scar tissue and get the organs moving like they should. We usually address posture, muscle tone and strength, ways to relax your body, and lifestyle to help you manage your symptoms and disease.
It is very important that you see a trained pelvic floor physical therapist who is ideally trained in visceral mobilization (organ movement) to help you live a fulfilling life of the activities you want to do.
