What is endometriosis, and how is pelvic floor physical therapy an effective treatment?
Have you been recently diagnosed with endometriosis? Are you suffering from painful menstrual cycles and aching cramps that won’t go away? Endometriosis is a condition in which uterine-lining-like tissue develops outside of the uterus. It may result in problems like infertility, abnormal periods, and pelvic pain. This condition can cause a woman to feel frustrated and challenged at times, especially with pain being so persistent.
Doctors will often recommend pain medications, hormone therapies, and in some cases surgery to help patients find relief. However, medication management masks symptoms rather than treat them head-on, and surgery is a rare intervention for cases of endometriosis.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a long-term solution that addresses pain and helps to restore functions. Our physical therapists at Beyond Therapy and Wellness in Texas can treat your symptoms in ways that other interventions may not.
Call our team at Beyond Therapy and Wellness in Texas to get started!
What is pelvic floor physical therapy?
There are several issues that can occur within the pelvic floor, such as incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, and pelvic organ prolapse. Many women suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction throughout different stages of life such as pregnancy and postpartum. However, other common issues like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also cause disruptions within the pelvic floor.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help restore the mobility, strength, and flexibility of the pelvic floor by training muscles how to properly function and relax. This can ultimately alleviate symptoms of endometriosis such as pain and cramping.
During treatment, your PT will use a variety of therapies, including:
- Trigger point therapy: Trigger point therapy is a safe pain management technique where your specialist will insert a hair-thin needle into your muscle’s trigger point that is worsening pain.
- Deep tissue massage: Your therapist may use therapeutic deep tissue massage, in which he or she applies firm pressure to the deep layers of muscle and fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles.
- Pelvic floor exercises: Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, work to strengthen pelvic floor muscles as you move them.
- Joint mobilization: Joint mobilization is a hands–on therapy method that helps to help reduce pain, improve range of motion, and increase function.
Other types of therapy include internal physical therapy, yoga or pilates, breathing exercises, and strengthening exercises.
How does pelvic floor physical therapy help endometriosis?
There are several benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy for women with endometriosis. These include:
Relieves endometriosis pain
Physical therapy helps to re-train pelvic muscles so they’re able to relax and coordinate contractions. This reduces muscle spasms and pelvic pain.
Alleviates abdominal bloating
Women with endometriosis often experience excessive bloating or “endo belly”. This type of distention can occur when inflammation causes a buildup of endometriosis tissue and tightening of the pelvic floor.
Endometriosis can also cause or worsen constipation. Luckily, pelvic floor physical therapists know how to reduce inflammation and other factors that contribute to excessive bloating.
Reduces painful intercourse
Endometriosis complicates intercourse because it causes uncomfortable tightening of the pelvic floor muscles. A pelvic floor physical therapist can provide exercises that will relax your pelvic muscles can help make sex less painful.
What to expect during physical therapy
The treatment process always begins with an initial consultation. This is where you and your therapist get the chance to meet each other and build a healthy relationship. Your PT will collect details about your medical history, current symptoms, and other lifestyle factors to gain a better understanding of your condition. It’s important to share how endometriosis is affecting your life so you and your therapist can discuss recovery goals. Then, you will be provided with a unique treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.
At Beyond Therapy and Wellness in Texas we value our patients’ privacy, especially with intimate and sensitive topics. Your sessions will be hosted in a private room, one-on-one with your specialist.
Want to get rid of the pain and achieve a better quality of life? Our team is here with successful, long-term solutions to help you manage symptoms of endometriosis. To set up your first appointment, call us at Beyond Therapy and Wellness in Texas today!
