When cells, similar to those in the lining of the uterus, deposit outside the uterus. These cells form implants, which can restrict movements of organs.
All women experience Endometriosis in a different ways, symptoms are, but not limited to:
- Painful periods
- Pelvic pain
- Urinary frequency/urgency
- Constipation
- Pain with bowel movements
- Infertility
- Abdominal pain
Women that have Endometriosis often have other autoimmune and autonomic disorders. There can be some carry over between Endometriosis and other symptoms like IBS or they can be considered separate like eczema or allergies. Other diagnoses can be:
- Allergies
- Eczema
- Hypermobility
- Painful Bladder Syndrome
- Asthma
- IBS
- Anxiety and depression
Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be a long journey. Patience symptoms can be minimized or providers focus on symptom management. Often times, there will be screenings, like an ultrasound, done by a doctor to confirm symptoms. The only true confirmation comes from a surgery called laparoscopy preformed to look at tissue in and around the uterus.
PT Treatment
Women often feel limited in their options after diagnosis. There are some movement and manual therapy based treatments that are helpful in restoring function. Pelvic floor PT is not just Kegels, there is a large tool box for ways to help get comfort and movement back. Pelvic floor PT can include:
- Mobilizing connective tissue between muscles and organs (Myofascial releases to abdomen)
- Re-establishing movement in the organs (Visceral therapy)
- Pelvic floor re-education
- Stretching exercises
- Movement training
- Calming nervous system
- Physical therapy releases to pelvic floor tissues
- Strategies for management of pain/constipation
- Postural retraining
- Trigger point releases
- Scar tissue mobilizations
- Neural mobilizations
- Joint mobilizations
Common Misconceptions of Endometriosis
“Having a glass of wine and relaxing will cure the pelvic pain with intimacy”
Overly tight muscles need stretching and often times manual therapy to normalize tissue tension and length. The nervous system needs to be calmed and guided to return to intimacy without pain.
“Hysterectomy will cure the problems”
There can still be adhesions around the abdominal cavity that still make constipation and abdominal pain a problem. Finding an endometriosis specialist for surgeon will help, they will know to look around the abdomen versus just taking out the uterus. Weakness and pelvic floor dysfunction can still remain after surgery.
“You just need to suffer until menopause”
There are many lifestyle changes to activity and diet that can help with discomfort. Finding a specialist to help with tight, painful muscles in pelvis and abdomen can improve symptoms. There are surgeries for removing adhesions in your abdomen.
Resources
Beating Endo: A Patient’s Treatment Plan for Endometriosis
By: Dr Iris Kerin Orbuch and Dr Amy Stein
An online learning library that originated as a Facebook Group. Patient stories, up to date Endo news and even a doctor finder feature.
A podcast with the goal to share stories and empower patients post diagnosis.
