Endometriosis treatment with physiotherapy: Managing pain and improving well-being

Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb causing severe pain during periods and sometimes between periods. It can also cause fatigue, postural changes, bladder and bowel issues and pain during sex. Unfortunately, it can also cause fertility issues with some people.

Endometriosis is very common with one in ten girls, women and those assigned female at birth suffering from it. That would equate to three girls in every classroom of thirty girls. It can be very disruptive to education and work. It can also take a long time to be diagnosed with the average time being 8 years and 10 months in the UK.

Physiotherapy can offer a non-invasive way to relieve pain caused by endometriosis and help to improve overall well-being. It provides a role alongside the treatment such as surgery and medication given by doctors and surgeons to treat muscle imbalance, reduce scar tissue and promote relaxation.

What sort of physiotherapy techniques are offered for endometriosis?

·       Pelvic floor therapy: a pelvic health physiotherapist can assess pelvic floor function and use techniques such as manual therapy to desensitise internal and external pelvic muscles. EMG biofeedback can be utilised to help muscles to relax or to be strengthened. If a therapy wand is required a pelvic health physiotherapist can guide people on how to use one effectively

·       Exercise: specific stretches and strengthening exercises can strengthen weak muscles and release tight muscles. Yoga and Pilates can be especially useful, but a physiotherapist would also give you specific exercises depending on your needs

·       Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques: both can help to work with the parasympathetic nervous system to aid calmness and decrease pain. Diaphragmatic breathing can also help with gut mobility

·       Heat and TENS: these techniques can also be used at home to help with pain and muscle spasm

·       Acupuncture: Physiotherapists who are trained in medical acupuncture can use acupuncture to aid pain relief

·       Postural advice: abdominal pain can often cause people to change their posture, but this can cause pain elsewhere. Postural advice can be useful to reduce back and neck pain

Conclusion: If you are struggling with pain from endometriosis, consulting in a physiotherapist specialising in pelvic health can be a valuable step towards relief.