Can Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Effectively Help Manage Endometriosis Pain?

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help Manage Endometriosis Pain

Endometriosis affects over 11% of women, causing debilitating pelvic pain, heavy periods, pain with intimacy, and fertility issues. While laparoscopic surgery and medications provide some relief, research shows pelvic floor physical therapy delivers lasting, drug-free improvements by releasing muscle tension, improving circulation and retraining nerves.

The Pelvic Floors Role in Endometriosis Pain

The pelvic floor comprises a sheet of muscles supporting reproductive, urinary and digestive organs. Years of coping with endo inflammation and cramping causes these muscles to perpetually contract as a protective response. This tension then restricts blood flow, presses on nerves and contributes to pain.

Pelvic floor PT uses hands-on soft tissue and nerve techniques to release spasmed muscles, enhance blood flow, retrain nerves and desensitize trigger points. Gaining control over these muscles brings significant relief for many endo patients.

Review of Scientific Research on Pelvic PT for Endometriosis

Several studies demonstrate pelvic floor PTs unique benefits for endometriosis including:

• Significantly less pelvic pain based on patient surveys
• Fewer trigger points and reduced muscle tension
• Improved quality of life, mobility and ability to exercise
• Decreased sexual discomfort

One randomized trial had 80% of patients see reduced dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain after 10 PT sessions. Researchers attributed improvements to normalized muscle tone and improved circulation and nerve function.

Pelvic Floor Treatments Used to Relieve Endometriosis Pain

Pelvic floor physical therapists use a combination of hands-on interventions both externally and internally to directly address spasmed muscles, restricted nerves and impaired tissue mobility contributing to endometriosis pain:

External Soft Tissue Techniques

PTs manually apply techniques to relax muscles and enhance circulation to the pelvic region externally. Methods include:

• Myofascial Release - Relieves muscle tension via gentle fascia stretching
• Trigger Point Release - Deactivates painful knotted muscle bundles
• Joint Mobilization - Unsticks restricted sacroiliac and hip joints
• Biofeedback Training - Uses sensors to teach control of muscle tension

These hands-on techniques addressed the protective guarding around inflamed areas to improve mobility and function.

Internal Manual Therapy

Pelvic floor therapists also perform very gentle hands-on work internally to release spasmed muscles, restricted nerves and scar tissue. This may include:

• Intravaginal Therapy - Stretches tight muscles and loosens adhesions
• Trigger Point Release - Deactivates knots and reduces nerve irritation
• Nerve Mobilization - Decreases nerve sensitivity to reduce pain signaling

Though typically avoided, research shows direct internal techniques significantly improve pelvic floor dysfunction. PTs specialize in gently delivering this complex hands-on care.

Neuromuscular Re-education

Pelvic floor therapists coach patients on exercises that gently strengthen and stretch muscles. This retrains nerves and motor control to relax the pelvic floor, prevent guarding and ease discomfort. Breathing, movement patterns and muscle activation techniques make up rehab protocols.

What to Expect From Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Visits

Visiting a pelvic floor physical therapist for endometriosis takes time getting comfortable with your body and the specialized hands-on care. But the impact this non-invasive therapy has on resolving long term pelvic pain makes it worthwhile for many women.

The Initial Evaluation

The first 60-90 minute assessment includes:

• Discussion of symptoms and pain history
• Education on the pelvic floor's anatomy and dysfunction
• External evaluation of the abdominal, pelvic and low back areas
• Internal pelvic floor examination
• Individualized treatment plan creation

Therapists explain every step of the evaluation and are specialists in delicately examining and treating sensitive pelvic issues.

Follow Up Pelvic Floor PT Sessions

After the initial eval, follow up visits run 45-60 minutes weekly focusing on:

• Hands-on external and internal techniques to relax connective tissue, muscles and nerves
• Joint mobilization to improve mobility
• Instruction in therapeutic exercises
• Pain and symptom monitoring
• Progress assessment and treatment plan adjustment

PTs collaborate closely with patients whole healthcare team, tailoring therapy to complement existing treatments.

Pelvic Floor PT Considerations with Endometriosis

While an excellent complement to laparoscopic excision and pain medications, pelvic floor therapy does have some important considerations.

It Requires Patience and Commitment

Pelvic floors develop lifelong dysfunctional patterns requiring at least 3-6 months of weekly therapy to rebuild strength, flexibility and neurological control. Temporary soreness often follows effective hands-on work too. But staying the course provides profound, progressive relief.

Not All Pelvic Therapists Specialize in Endometriosis

Ask during the initial call if therapists have advanced training and proven success specifically helping endometriosis patients. This complex, misunderstood condition requires providers experienced navigating widespread pelvic nerve and muscle dysfunction.

Other Health Issues May Need Treatment First

Before undergoing PT, fully treat any pelvic infections, horomone imbalances or bowel issues with appropriate doctors first. Achieving foundational health maximizes how much patients benefit from correcting pelvic floor dysfunction.

Pelvic Therapy Guards Patient Privacy

Reputable therapists create safe, welcoming environments respecting endo patients need for sensitivity and privacy during vulnerable pelvic floor examinations.

Takeaway: Pelvic Floor Therapy Eases Endo Pain

Years coping with endometriosis inflammation creates secondary pelvic floor pain that medication fails to reach. Hands-on PT techniques directly release constricting muscles, nerves and connective tissue while building strength to support pelvic organs again.

Though requiring commitment to the process, pelvic floor physical therapy works synergistically with excision surgery and medication to resolve debilitating, intimate pain on multiple levels simultaneously. Regaining lasting control over pelvic region function improves mobility, bladder and bowel habits plus sexual comfort and fertility as well.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.