Too many people are waiting way too long for relief from endometriosis pain.
Endometriosis is a condition that affects 1 in 10 reproductive-aged individuals across all races, yet it’s often misunderstood and underdiagnosed. While traditional treatments like medication and surgery play a key role in managing symptoms, many patients are discovering the benefits of pelvic floor therapy (PFT) as a complementary treatment.
If you’re living with endometriosis and looking to improve your quality of life, this blog will explain how pelvic floor therapy can help address pain, improve mobility, and support your overall wellness. By the end of this post, you’ll understand how to integrate pelvic floor therapy into your treatment plan and why it’s an essential tool in managing endometriosis.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium, the tissue lining the uterus, grows outside the uterus. These tissue growths, known as endometriotic implants, often develop on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, intestines, and abdominal lining but can occur almost anywhere in the body. These implants respond to estrogen, triggering inflammation that leads to a cascade of painful symptoms.
Common Symptoms
- Painful periods that often begin before menstruation and last long after
- Pain during sex
- Painful bowel movements
- Painful urination
- Chronic pelvic pain outside of menstruation
- Difficulty conceiving, as endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility
Not all patients with endometriosis experience symptoms and the severity of symptoms doesn’t necessarily correlate with the amount of tissue growth.
The Challenge of Diagnosis
Detecting endometriosis can be difficult. The condition is often underdiagnosed because it can only be definitively confirmed via a biopsy during surgery. On average, patients may see seven different doctors and experience waiting as long as seven years from the onset of symptoms for a formal diagnosis. Patients are desperate for relief from endometriosis pain and symptoms.
While there’s no blood test for endometriosis yet, doctors can use a combination of patient history, physical exams, and imaging tools like ultrasounds to make presumptive diagnoses and initiate treatment.
Traditional Treatments for Endometriosis
Medical Management
Initial treatments often involve over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen for pain relief. Hormonal treatments, including birth control pills, progesterone-based therapies, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, are frequently prescribed to manage symptoms by suppressing estrogen production.
Surgical Intervention
When medical options fail to provide relief, surgery becomes an option. Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery is commonly used to diagnose and remove endometriotic implants. However, surgical outcomes depend heavily on the surgeon’s expertise and location of the implants.
While these treatments target the root cause of endometriosis, they may not address all sources of pain—enter pelvic floor therapy.
How Endometriosis and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Are Connected
Chronic pain from endometriosis often causes protective muscle tightening and guarding. Over time, this leads to dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, uterus, and bowel. Pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to:
- Pain during intercourse
- Painful urination
- Constipation or difficulty having bowel movements
- Chronic lower back or pelvic pain
- Pain with movement or exercise
Additionally, adhesions caused by endometriosis or surgical interventions can restrict mobility and cause additional discomfort. This is where pelvic floor therapy plays a vital role in restoring functionality and reducing pain.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Helps with Endometriosis
Pelvic floor therapy (PFT) focuses on improving the strength, flexibility, and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding areas. The therapy combines exercises, manual techniques, relaxation therapies, and behavioral modifications tailored to each patient’s needs.
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy for Endometriosis
- Pain Reduction: PFT can release muscle tightness, address referred pain, and reduce inflammation in the pelvic region.
- Enhanced Mobility: By addressing restrictions caused by adhesions and muscle guarding, PFT improves movement.
- Improved Pelvic Function: It supports better bladder and bowel control and reduces pain during sexual activity.
- Holistic Relief: PFT works in conjunction with medical and surgical treatments to address sources of pain not directly caused by endometriotic implants.
- Collaborative Partner: PFT works in collaboration with other practitioners to help you decrease your pain, i.e,, accupuncture, nutrition, mental health.
Research also supports the efficacy of pelvic floor therapy for endometriosis-related pain, with many patients reporting significant relief after undergoing therapy sessions.
What to Expect from Pelvic Floor Therapy
The First Session
Your first appointment will begin with a thorough consultation. You’ll discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and overall goals. The therapist will explain the anatomy of the pelvic floor and how it relates to your endometriosis. You may also receive some stretches or breathing techniques to practice at home.
Subsequent Sessions
Follow-up sessions will involve more in-depth assessments, including:
- Evaluating the strength, mobility, and flexibility of your back, hips, pelvis, and abdomen
- A pelvic floor muscle assessment, which may include an internal exam (always done within your comfort level and permission)
- Tailored exercises, stretches, and manual therapy to address your specific symptoms
Therapy frequency varies widely based on individual needs, but many patients begin to see improvements within six sessions.
Common Misconceptions About Pelvic Floor Therapy
It’s not unusual to have reservations about pelvic floor therapy. Here are some common misconceptions and clarifications:
- “Pelvic floor therapy is just Kegels.” Strengthening exercises are only one piece of the puzzle. For most patients with endometriosis, the focus is on improving flexibility and coordination.
- “Pelvic Floor therapy is only internal work.” Internal work is done as necessary and only with your permission and collaboration.
- “The therapy will be painful.” While some discomfort during assessment is possible, therapists prioritize your comfort and work within your limits. Communication is key.
- “It’s only for postpartum women.” Pelvic floor therapy benefits anyone with pelvic floor dysfunction, regardless of gender, age, or childbirth history.
Taking Action for a Pain-Free Life
Living with endometriosis is challenging, but you don’t have to accept chronic pain as your reality. Pelvic floor therapy offers a pathway to relief as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Whether you’re exploring your first therapy session or adding it to your current regimen, addressing pelvic floor dysfunction can make a real difference in your quality of life. If you’re ready for drug-free pain relief from endometriosis and to regain control of your life, reach out to Relax Therapy Seattle to discuss how pelvic floor therapy could benefit you. Start your journey toward wellness and rediscover comfort in your daily life.