#endometriosisawareness takes place across the globe during the month of March with a mission to raise awareness of a disease which affects an estimated 176 million women worldwide. (source: http://endometriosis.org) 💛
More and more people who suffer with pain related diagnosis are discovering the power of pelvic floor physical therapy in reducing their pain. PFPT’s are special in that they are specifically trained physical therapists who’s passion is all things pelvic floor and in many cases, highly trained in women’s health related issues.
If you have a rotator cuff injury, you’ll be sent by your doctor to see a physical therapist. This compliment to care will focus on the your musculoskeletal health (muscles, bones, fascia and ligaments). When it comes to pain in your pelvic area (Endometriosis), the same logic applies. A pelvic floor physical therapist will be focusing on the muscles, bones, fascia and ligaments in your pelvic area as well as your stomach, back and diagram, (AKA the deep intrinsic trunk muscles).
As it relates to Endometriosis, your PFPT will perform an evaluation and create a plan of care that is specific to your needs and goals.
If your shoulder or knee hurts, you see a physical therapist to treat the bones, muscles, nerves, fascia, and ligaments for some relief. Similarly there are bones muscles, nerves, fascia, and ligaments in your pelvis and abdomen that experience substantial adaptations from the disease process of endometriosis.
Pelvic health or women’s health physical therapists work with the pelvis, spine, and abdomen. They evaluate the alignment, musculature, fascial systems, and movement patterns in the pelvis and body for issues that activate your pain and decrease your quality of life.
Then the pelvic health physical therapist develops a treatment programme customised to your specific needs. From alleviating pelvic floor dysfunction to improving your sex life, here are 5 things pelvic physical therapy can do for you:
1. Strong Pelvic Floor
Your pelvis is lined with a group of muscles called the pelvic floor.
These muscles help to stabilize your pelvis as well as support your pelvic organs (like your bladder, uterus, and vagina). Your pelvic floor also helps to facilitate bowel movement and urinary function, as well as sexual health and function.
Below, you will see a diagram of the pelvic floor, and you can see that it resembles a “sling” or “bowl”.
2. Relief For Painful Sex
Sex should never be painful. period.
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Many women are advised to, “Drink wine and relax.”. While this may temporarily make things more bearable . . . it does not address the underlying issue.🌸 The pain associated with Endometriosis can be attributed to scar tissue, adhesions, and inflammation.
FACT: Pelvic floor physical therapy, to train and rehabilitate the muscles of the pelvic floor, is a highly effective treatment option for those suffering from Endometriosis. PFPT’s will focus on myofascial trigger points within the pelvic and abdominal cavity to
3. Other Pain
Pelvic floor physical therapists focus not only on your pain from your endometriosis, but other factors that may contribute to it. Taking this approach has been shown to be highly effective in reducing the symptoms you may experience.
In many cases, interstitial cystitis may be “bunded” with your diagnosis of endometriosis. PFPT’s take this into consideration when creating your plan of care.
4. Endo-belly?
Oftentimes, women will get misdiagnosed as having IBS or other digestive disorders . . . but, this swelling, distention and heaviness is . .yes, known as endo-belly.
Picture Source: https://mylifemyendo.wordpress.com/
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help you alleviate the symptoms associated with this condition, such as painful intercourse, pelvic pain, frequent urination, bowel issues, “endo belly” and tense pelvic floor muscles. Want to know more about pelvic floor physical therapy . . . >>> click here.
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