How to Treat Endometriosis Symptoms

Endometriosis is a challenging condition that affects many women, often leaving them searching for effective ways to manage its symptoms. If you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis or suspect you might have it, understanding the holistic and alternative treatments available can empower you to take control of your health. Hina explores endometriosis symptoms, their causes, and treatment options, particularly focusing on musculoskeletal and pelvic floor therapy.

Understanding Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This abnormal tissue growth can lead to scarring, inflammation, and other complications. Common symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Musculoskeletal pain: Low back pain, hip pain, and abdominal pain
• Urinary and bladder issues: Frequency, urgency, and sometimes painful urination
• Pain during intercourse
• Menstrual irregularities

This condition can also create a bloated sensation, often referred to as “endo belly,” and may contribute to constipation and bowel discomfort.

How Endometriosis Affects the Body

The abnormal tissue growth associated with endometriosis can cause inflammation and scarring, particularly in the pelvic cavity. This scarring often leads to musculoskeletal dysfunction as the pelvic organs and surrounding muscles become affected. Let’s examine the anatomical aspects to better understand why this happens.

1. Pelvic Anatomy and Muscle Involvement
   • The pelvic cavity contains the bladder, uterus, rectum, and various muscles that attach to the pelvic bones.
   • The pelvic floor muscles stretch from the pubic bone to the tailbone and play a key role in urinary, bowel, and sexual function.
   • Endometrial tissue in this area can irritate the pelvic organs and nerves, leading to pain and muscle tightness.
2. Inflammation and Nerve Crosstalk
   • The inflammatory processes triggered by endometriosis can cause heightened nerve sensitivity.
   • Nerves serving the pelvic organs may “crosstalk” with surrounding muscles, leading to tightness and guarding in the pelvic floor and lower back muscles.
3. Impact on Movement and Function
   • Tight pelvic floor muscles can result in urinary frequency, painful intercourse, and constipation.
   • Imbalances in muscle tension may alter pelvic alignment, affecting the low back, hips, and sacroiliac joint.

Treating Endometriosis Symptoms Holistically

Traditional treatments for endometriosis often include hormonal therapies, such as birth control pills or injections, to manage symptoms. While these can be effective, holistic approaches can provide additional relief by addressing the musculoskeletal impacts of the condition. One effective method is physical therapy focused on orthopedics and pelvic floor health.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor physical therapy involves targeted techniques to relax and strengthen the muscles in and around the pelvic cavity. Key aspects of this therapy include:

1. Internal and External Muscle Work
   • Physical therapists may use manual techniques to address tightness and imbalances in the pelvic floor muscles.
   • Internally, vaginal or rectal techniques can help release tension in the deep pelvic muscles.
   • Externally, therapists focus on the hip, low back, and abdominal muscles to improve overall alignment and function.
2. Fascial Release
   • The fascia is the connective tissue that binds muscles, organs, and bones together.
   • Releasing restrictions in the fascia can improve blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and overall mobility.
3. Addressing Imbalances
   • A skilled therapist evaluates muscle strength and flexibility to identify and correct imbalances.
   • Exercises may be prescribed to stretch tight muscles and strengthen weaker ones, improving stability and reducing pain.

Visceral Physical Therapy

Visceral physical therapy focuses on the tissues surrounding the abdominal and pelvic organs. Techniques used in this therapy include:

• Gentle manipulation to improve organ mobility and reduce adhesions
• Enhancing blood and lymphatic flow to alleviate inflammation and bloating
• Supporting the release of tension in the abdominal cavity

Strengthening and Stretching Exercises

A comprehensive treatment plan also includes exercises designed to:

• Stretch tight muscles in the pelvic and hip regions
• Strengthen weak muscles to restore balance
• Improve core stability to support the lower back and pelvis

Additional Benefits of Physical Therapy

1. Relieving Endo Belly
   • By improving circulation and reducing congestion in the abdominal cavity, physical therapy can alleviate bloating and discomfort.
2. Enhancing Overall Function
   • Addressing pelvic floor dysfunction can improve bowel and bladder control.
   • Correcting musculoskeletal imbalances can reduce pain and improve mobility.
3. Providing Long-Term Relief
   • Unlike temporary relief from medications, physical therapy offers lasting benefits by addressing the root causes of pain and dysfunction.

Finding the Right Therapist

When seeking physical therapy for endometriosis, it’s important to work with a therapist who specializes in both orthopedics and pelvic floor health. They should have experience in:

• Manual therapy techniques for the pelvic floor
• Treating musculoskeletal conditions related to the low back, hips, and sacroiliac joint
• Providing individualized exercises tailored to your specific needs

Conclusion

Endometriosis can significantly impact daily life, but with the right approach, its symptoms can be managed effectively. Physical therapy, particularly when focused on the pelvic floor and musculoskeletal system, offers a holistic way to address the pain and discomfort associated with this condition. By improving muscle balance, releasing tension, and enhancing overall function, these therapies can help you regain control over your health and improve your quality of life.

Also Read: How to treat Pudendal Neuralgia – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

I’m Hina Sheth. I have been treating complex orthopedics, sports and pelvic floor physical problems for over 25 years with amazing results. Now I want to bring my knowledge to the global community so I can spread my knowledge to you.

Our bodies are complex systems of 600 muscles and organs intertwined in a fascial system that all work together. Imbalances in this system such as trigger points, visceral and myofascial restrictions can lead to joint, pelvic, and organ issues.

Factors like nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress play a crucial role. Unfortunately, our current healthcare model does not look at our bodies as a whole and oftentimes compartmentalize musculoskeletal injuries and dysfunctions.

At Rebalance, our goal is to holistically treat this complex system to restore harmony in the body.  By addressing these imbalances, we help clients improve their overall health and well-being.  Our vision is to empower individuals to create a healthier lifestyle for themselves.