If you're dealing with the persistent and intense pain of endometriosis, you're not alone.

There's a lesser-known solution that could provide much-needed relief – pelvic floor physical therapy. Let's dive into the world of pelvic floor physical therapy and how it can help manage the pain linked to endometriosis.

What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Imagine a specialized branch of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles in your pelvic floor and abdominal areas. This therapy covers a wide spectrum of issues like incontinence, constipation, urinary urgency, pelvic pain, discomfort during sex, prolapse, and even abdominal muscle separation. 

These muscles in your pelvis play a crucial role in supporting your bladder, bowel, vagina, and uterus, impacting functions like bathroom control, sexual experience, and pelvic stability. To get these muscles functioning optimally, pelvic floor physical therapy uses various techniques like stretches, exercises, manual therapy, and lifestyle tweaks.

Tackling Endometriosis Pain:

Endometriosis pain, whether from uterine discomfort or adhesions, can trigger protective contractions in the muscles around the affected area. Over time, this muscle response can lead to tightness and pain in your pelvis, abdomen, and back. 

That's where pelvic floor physical therapy comes in – it targets these muscular and soft tissue dysfunctions to alleviate the pain. Adhesions, those tissues that form during the body's healing process, can create attachments between different structures. By addressing these issues, pelvic floor physical therapy offers a promising approach to managing endometriosis pain.

Choosing the Right Time for Therapy:

If you're battling endometriosis, considering pelvic floor physical therapy is a smart move if the pain in your pelvis, abdomen, or back is disrupting your daily life, including activities, workouts, intimacy, or work. 

Our pelvic floor physical therapists assess whether your pelvic floor or abdominal muscles are contributing to these symptoms and tailor the therapy accordingly.

First and Follow-Up Sessions:

Your first session involves a comprehensive evaluation of your medical history, symptoms, and goals. Setting clear objectives is key to customizing your therapy. We'll delve into the pelvic floor and abdominal anatomy, relating them to your endometriosis symptoms.

You'll also get a taste of stretching, breathing techniques, and loads of education and self-care tips. Subsequent sessions go deeper into strength, flexibility, posture, and pelvic floor muscles, adjusting the treatment based on your comfort level and feedback.

The frequency and number of sessions depend on your symptoms and goals – we've got your back!

Demystifying Misconceptions:

Let's clear the air about a few misconceptions. Pelvic floor physical therapy isn't just about kegel exercises; it's about enhancing mobility and coordination more than just raw strength. 

Worried about the pain? While there might be some discomfort as we work on persistent pain areas, remember, it should NOT be very painful, and our therapists prioritize your comfort.

The Role of Pelvic Floor Muscles:

Your pelvic floor muscles respond to endometriosis-triggered pain by clenching up protectively. This pattern of contraction can lead to tightness and discomfort in various areas. 

Plus, referred pain can make things even trickier. That’s pain that is felt in an area that the pain is not coming from. Pelvic floor physical therapy aims to boost muscle flexibility, sensitivity, strength, and coordination, ultimately easing symptoms arising from these muscles.

Empower Yourself:

For women living with endometriosis, self-advocacy is crucial. You're your own best advocate! Even when the journey gets tough, keep seeking answers and treatments – don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Many women find us through self-advocacy when traditional healthcare routes fall short. If you're wondering if we can help, we're just a free, 15-minute phone consultation away. It's all about you – your situation, your impact, and your goals. Ready to take that step? Schedule your free phone consultation and start your journey to relief.