Written by a pelvic floor physical therapist at Empower Your Pelvis, in Kansas City, Missouri (Lee Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS)

Endometriosis—what is it, exactly? This common yet often misunderstood condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. While it's usually found in the abdominal area (like the bowel, bladder, or between abdominal organs), it can spread to other areas of the body. Surprisingly, endometriosis affects 1 in 8 women, though many go undiagnosed. On average, it takes about 12 years for women to receive an accurate diagnosis.

What Are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

Endometriosis symptoms can vary widely, but some of the most common signs include:

• Severely painful and heavy periods

• Pain during sex

• Bowel dysfunction

• Infertility

However, symptoms don’t always look the same for everyone. Some women may experience severe menstrual pain but have no trouble getting pregnant, while others may have relatively mild periods and discover they have endometriosis during fertility testing. One crucial takeaway? Debilitating period cramps that force you to miss school or work are not normal.

How Can Physical Therapy Help Endometriosis?

Many women with endometriosis also have pelvic floor muscle tension, which can contribute to additional pain and discomfort. That’s where pelvic floor physical therapy comes in! At Empower Your Pelvis, we believe that every woman diagnosed with endometriosis should consider pelvic PT as part of their treatment plan. Pelvic floor therapy can help release muscle tension, ease pain, and improve bowel and bladder function often impacted by endo.

Additional Ways to Manage Endometriosis

In addition to pelvic floor therapy, here are other key approaches to managing endometriosis:

• Follow an anti-inflammatory diet: Reducing sugar, dairy, gluten, and processed foods has been shown to help manage symptoms.

• Excision surgery: Removing the endometrial lesions may be necessary for long-term relief.

• Medication: Hormonal treatments and other medications can help manage symptoms.

Building a comprehensive care team is essential for managing endometriosis. This team should include a specialized OB-GYN, a trained pelvic floor physical therapist, and a knowledgeable dietitian.

Get Support with Empower Your Pelvis

If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis or suspect you might have it, we’re here to help. Our four-week endometriosis programs are designed to meet your unique needs:

• Empowering You with Endometriosis Level 1: For those with severe pain and significant impact on daily activities.

• Empowering You with Endometriosis Level 2: For those with mild to moderate pain and less daily interference.

Get Professional Help

If you're looking for “pelvic floor therapy near me”, consider scheduling a consultation at one of our locations in Kansas City-Overland Park, Kansas, or Lees Summit, Missouri. Click here to book your appointment.

Join the Pelvis Posse

Seeking expert support and guidance for your pelvic health journey? Join the Pelvic Posse today for personalized assistance and community as you improve your pelvic health.With wellness in your pelvis-

Amanda Fisher, PT, DPT
Owner, Empower Your Pelvis, a pelvic floor physical therapy clinic in Kansas City (Lee’s Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS)