The role of pelvic floor health physiotherapy in endometriosis treatment
Endometriosis can significantly impact a woman's quality of life, causing chronic pain and discomfort that affects daily activities. Pelvic physiotherapy can play an important complementary role in managing the symptoms of this complex condition.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing endometriosis for years, understanding how women’s pelvic physiotherapy fits into your treatment plan can open new pathways to relief.
In this blog, we’ll explore the role of pelvic physiotherapy in endometriosis treatment and how it can support your journey to improved well-being.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. It most commonly affects areas within the pelvic region, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissues surrounding the pelvis.
This displaced tissue behaves similarly to the uterine lining, thickening and shedding with each menstrual cycle. However, because it cannot exit the body, it can cause inflammation, cysts, scar tissue and adhesions.
Over time, it can disrupt normal pelvic function and lead to complications. The impact on daily life can be profound, affecting both physical health and emotional well-being.
Endometriosis symptoms
The symptoms of endometriosis can vary widely from person to person, but the most common include:
Pelvic pain, especially during menstruation
Pain during intercourse
Painful bowel movements or urination, particularly around menstruation
Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods
Digestive issues such as bloating, nausea or diarrhoea
Endometriosis is a complex condition that varies in severity. The severity of symptoms doesn’t always correlate with the extent of the condition, meaning even mild endometriosis can cause significant discomfort.
Endometriosis diagnosis
Despite its prevalence, endometriosis can often go undiagnosed for years due to the varied nature of symptoms and limited awareness about the condition.
According to Endometriosis Australia, it takes six and a half years on average for those living with endometriosis to receive a diagnosis, with surgical intervention being the only diagnosis option.
Endometriosis treatments
There is currently no cure for endometriosis, but various treatments can help manage the condition. The three main types of treatments include:
Medical treatments: Medications, such as pain relievers and hormonal therapies, are commonly used to manage symptoms. Pain relief options like ibuprofen may help, while hormonal therapies can regulate or suppress the hormonal fluctuations that trigger the growth of endometrial tissue.
However, these medications can come with side effects and may not work for everyone.
Surgical treatments: Surgery is sometimes recommended to remove endometrial tissue, especially in more severe cases.
While surgery can provide significant relief, it is not always a long-term solution, as the tissue can return over time.
Allied treatments: Allied treatments include approaches like physiotherapy, psychology and alternative therapies.
These play a complementary role, helping manage symptoms such as pain and emotional stress, and improving overall quality of life.
There is no single "best treatment" for endometriosis. Since each person responds differently, finding the right combination of treatments is essential.
It’s important to discuss your options with your doctor, who can help guide you through the advantages and potential side effects of each approach.
Is physiotherapy good for endometriosis?
Physiotherapy can play a valuable role in managing endometriosis symptoms, particularly when it comes to addressing pelvic pain and muscle dysfunction.
Women’s health physiotherapists specialise in treating the pelvic region. After getting to know you and your concerns during your first pelvic health physiotherapy appointment, they use a range of techniques to help alleviate discomfort caused by endometriosis.
Physiotherapy techniques such as manual therapy, targeted stretches and relaxation exercises help to release tension in your pelvic muscles and reduce pain.
Additionally, pelvic physiotherapists offer education on managing symptoms through posture correction and breathing techniques, which can further aid in pain relief. By improving pelvic muscle function, physiotherapy also helps to enhance mobility and reduce the impact of endometriosis on your everyday life.
Pelvic physiotherapy as a non-invasive, complementary treatment
One of the key benefits of pelvic physiotherapy is that it offers a non-invasive approach to managing endometriosis symptoms.
While medications and surgery are often part of a treatment plan, physiotherapy can complement these methods by focusing on the musculoskeletal aspects of pain management.
This holistic approach allows patients to explore symptom relief without the side effects that sometimes accompany more aggressive treatments.
Working alongside other treatments
Where possible, seek an interdisciplinary approach to endometriosis treatment, involving specialists from various disciplines collaborating to deliver the best care possible.
A women’s pelvic health physio should be part of this team as pelvic physiotherapy works well in combination with other medical treatments.
For women who undergo surgery to remove endometrial tissue, physiotherapy can be a valuable part of post-operative care, helping to improve recovery outcomes.
By easing muscle tension and addressing scar tissue, physiotherapy can reduce post-surgery pain and prevent long-term complications.
When used alongside medication, pelvic physiotherapy offers a complementary method for managing chronic pain, enhancing the overall effectiveness of an endometriosis treatment plan.
This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive well-rounded care aimed at both immediate relief and long-term symptom management.
Why choose Papaya Clinic for pelvic physiotherapy
At Papaya Clinic, we specialise in treating a wide range of pelvic health issues, including the challenges that come with endometriosis.
Our expert team of pelvic physios in Sydney works closely with gynaecologists, obstetricians and urologists to ensure you receive the highest standard of care.
This collaborative approach allows us to address your symptoms from multiple angles, providing a more comprehensive and tailored treatment plan.
As an integrated women’s health clinic, we take a holistic approach to managing endometriosis, combining physiotherapy with Clinical Pilates, movement therapy and consultations with our naturopaths.
This integration helps us target not only pelvic pain but also related symptoms. If you’re ready to explore a holistic approach to managing your endometriosis, book a consultation with one of our pelvic health physios in Sydney today.
