Endometriosis: What is it and how can Pelvic PT help?
Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, and affects about 5.5 million reproductive-aged women in the United States.
Endometrial tissue lines a woman’s uterus and each menstrual cycle our body grows a new endometrium (uterine lining) to prepare for a fertilized egg. Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity. These cells can grow anywhere in the body, and are often associated with inflammation, severe and chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. Endometriosis affects about 5.5 million reproductive-aged women in the United States.
What are common signs?
Endometriosis is commonly associated with:
Pelvic pain (can be chronic and persistent)
Dysmenorrhea (painful periods of menstrual cramps)
Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
Dyschezia (pain or difficulty with bowel movements)
Dysuria (pain or difficulty with urination)
Infertility
Depression & anxiety
Fatigue
Bloating/weight gain
Gastrointestinal issues
Sexual dysfunction
What causes Endometriosis?
Although the etiology of endometriosis is unknown, it is thought to be multifactorial in nature. Multiple hypotheses exist including genetic and familial influences, retrograde menstruation, endometrial stem cells, and the role of immune, inflammatory, and environmental factors.
Diagnosing:
Diagnosing endometriosis can be difficult, and most diagnoses are delayed about 8-12 years. The gold standard for confirming whether an individual has endometriosis is through laparoscopic surgery with a tissue biopsy, however a Trans-Vaginal Ultrasound may be beneficial for visualising ovarian and deep endometrial tissue. Most of the time, a diagnosis can be made by your medical provider after evaluating all of your symptoms.
Treatment & Management of Symptoms:
Pelvic Physical therapy typically plays a large role in the management of endometriosis symptoms. We work closely with your medical providers as part of the multidisciplinary approach to help manage pain and improve your ability to stay active.
As with any persistent pain condition the muscles in the surrounding area can become guarded, and not work properly which results in a chronic cycle of tension and dysfunction. Pelvic PT focuses on improving tension and balance in the muscles for proper support and function
Some treatment approaches that are typically very helpful for patients with endometriosis include: gentle manual therapy and visceral techniques to the abdomen, pelvic floor, low back, and hips, as well as nervous system down-training and relaxation techniques. Postural strengthening, promoting lumbopelvic stability, restoring dysfunctional movement patterns, as well as pain neuroscience education are typically incorporated into the plan of care.
Medical management: Typically used for long term management of chronic symptoms. The goals for medical management may include eliminating menstruation, inhibiting ovulation, and balancing hormones.
Surgical interventions include a diagnostic Laparoscopy with biopsy and histology. While under anaesthesia, they can perform an ablation or excision of the endometrial tissue, or a hysterectomy if indicated. Studies have shown symptom reduction for about 5 years post-operatively, however also indicate that there can be recurrence of endometriosis over time.
Helpful Resources for Patients:
Endometriosis Foundation of America: https://www.endofound.org
Endo Warriors: https://endowarriorssupport.com
Endo-What Documentary
If you or someone you know is suffering from pain from endometriosis come see us!