Physiotherapy for Endometriosis

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus starts growing outside of the uterus. These endometrial cells multiply and grow outside the uterus and can infiltrate surrounding tissue.
This tissue is usually found around the ovaries, uterus and in the pelvic cavity but can be found anywhere in the body. Because the tissue is similar to that inside the uterus, it also responds to hormonal changes in the body causing cyclical pain and inflammation. 

Endometriosis is very common in Australia affecting around 1 in 10 people with a uterus. With the misconception that period pain is normal, endometriosis is often overlooked and takes an average of 10 years to get a diagnosis. 

The symptoms of endometriosis can be very different for different people.
Some of the common symptoms include, but are not limited to, increasingly painful periods, deep pain with intercourse, cyclic pain, pain with bowel movements, pain in the lower back, hips or abdomen. 

What are the treatment options?

Currently there is no cure for endometriosis. 

The gold standard for treatment is surgical excision of the endometrial cells. 

Aside from surgery there are a number of other options to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. 

Treatment for endometriosis is very multidisciplinary and can include all of the following:

Dietitian to help with developing a nutritious diet and identify any dietary triggers. This may be particularly important if you have bowel symptoms or have other allergies or intolerances. 

Good sleep habits, aiming for 8 hours of good quality sleep a night.

Psychology or a good support network to help with your emotional and mental health. Having a chronic condition is hard work with no days off. Depression is common in people with endo so having a good network of people around you, including a psychologist, can help you live your best life with endo. 

Physiotherapy or pain specialist to help you understand the science of pain and how the interaction between our nervous system, our brain, our emotions and our physical health all play a part.

Physiotherapy or exercise physiology to help you remain active. 

How Can Physio Help?

For many people with endo, having a period means days of being curled up in bed in pain. As a protective response the muscles around the lower back, abdomen and hips all become tight, increasing tension around the pelvic region and again causing pain. Physiotherapy can help to relax these tight muscles, release through internal tissue and improve overall physical strength. 

We work with you to create a plan based around your pain and symptoms to make the most of the days you are feeling good and to stretch and relax through the times you are not feeling your brightest. 

Pelvic health physiotherapists are also trained to assess and treat your pelvic floor muscles. If you are experiencing pain with passing urine, opening your bowels or with sex then your pelvic floor muscles may not be working their best. A pelvic health physiotherapist can assess what is happening within the pelvic floor and work with you to release and stretch these muscles the same as with any other muscles in our bodies. 

As we said above, surgery to remove the endometrial cells is the gold standard of treatment in 2022. While it is a key hole surgery it is still quite daunting and can be painful for some people. As with any surgery, you will need a bit of time to recover before diving back into work and exercise. Physiotherapy can help work with you to build up your strength prior to surgery, keep you moving while on the mend and guide you back into exercise following surgery.

What to expect for your initial assessment.

The initial appointment is all about getting to know you and your story. With an average time of diagnosis of 10 years, there is a lot to talk about! At Rebound Health we have 60 minute initial appointment times so we have plenty of time to get to know you and your story and you will also have time to ask any questions you may have.

We will ask about your pain and symptoms, your exercise habits, your bladder, bowel and sexual function and your goals. We will assess your breathing and musculoskeletal system. We can assess the pelvic floor through an internal assessment if and when you feel comfortable. Based on your assessment we then work together to create an individualised plan to reach your goals.