What is Endometriosis and How Can Pelvic Floor PT Help?

Endometriosis is much more than just painful periods. Studies show that endometriosis may affect more than 11% of American women between 15 and 44 - that’s millions of women!

Our pelvic floor physical therapists at Foundations Pelvic Health are an important part of a person’s endometriosis treatment - we are all up on the latest endometriosis research and have been trained extensively in endometriosis care. Whether it’s helping those with endometriosis manage the pain, prepare for surgery or recover after surgery - we are a vital part of your team and can help in so many ways!

Defining Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition characterized by tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrial tissue) located outside of the uterus.  This tissue can be found throughout the pelvis and most commonly on the ovaries, bladder, bowels, and lining of the abdominal cavity. Endometriosis has a genetic component - so a person that’s affected may have a mother, sisters, or other family members with endometriosis. Endometrial tissue can also increase inflammation within the pelvic area, especially during menstruation, which leads to pain and other symptoms listed below. 

Common Symptoms & Presentation

Endometriosis affects each person differently. People from ages 25-40 are most commonly affected, but symptoms usually begin in teenagers after the onset of menstruation. Women in their teens may begin to complain about painful periods, with pain 1-2 days before their period as well as throughout their periods. 

Over time, people may experience symptoms including (but not limited to): 

• Pelvic pain not associated with menstruation

• Moderate-severe menstrual cramps

• Heavy bleeding with menstruation 

• Urinary frequency/urgency & waking at night to void

• Irritable bowel syndrome 

• Constipation, bloating

• Low back pain

• Fatigue

• Decreased fertility

With chronic pelvic pain and inflammation, the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles can become tighter or more sore. Overtime, those affected may experience increased pelvic pain, difficulty tolerating gynecological exams, decreased arousal, and discomfort or pain during/after penetrative intercourse. 

The Role of Pelvic Floor PT

Foundations Pelvic Health is here for you! Whether you are dealing with any of the above symptoms, were recently diagnosed with endometriosis, underwent surgery, or are looking to manage your symptoms long-term, pelvic floor therapy can be so helpful.

Your Pelvic Floor PT plan can include:

• Manual therapy

  • To reduce pelvic floor, low back, abdominal, hip, and lower extremity muscle tightness, soreness or pain

  • To help with post-surgical scar tissue or adhesion management

• Exercise

  • Core and hip strengthening

  • Spinal & hip mobility

  • Stretching

• Neuromuscular re-training

  • Pelvic floor relaxation/lengthening

  • Improved breathing patterns

  • Functional movement training

• Education

  • Pain management

  • Bladder retraining

  • Improved toileting

As you see above, endometriosis can affect each person differently and living with endometriosis can be challenging. Your pelvic floor physical therapist at Foundations Pelvic Health will be able to help you get back to everything you love to do without pain.

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Hi! We are Boston’s pelvic floor physical therapy experts specializing in helping you with all things bladder, bowel, sexual dysfunction, and we are also your pregnancy and postpartum specialists.

If you have questions about pelvic floor physical therapy or if you’re struggling with pelvic floor issues related to endometriosis, we’d love to help you at Foundations Pelvic Health - located in the South End of Boston, MA.

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