Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy & Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a complex and often painful condition affecting millions of women. If you struggle with pelvic pain, painful periods, or discomfort with intercourse due to endometriosis, you’re not alone. While medical management, such as surgery and medication, plays a role in treatment, pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is a powerful and often overlooked tool for managing endometriosis-related symptoms.
How Endometriosis Affects the Pelvic Floor
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, often leading to inflammation, scarring, and adhesions. These changes can cause the pelvic floor muscles to become tight, overactive, and painful, contributing to:
Chronic pelvic pain
Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
Urinary urgency and frequency
Bowel dysfunction, including constipation or pain with bowel movements
Hip and lower back pain due to muscle imbalances
Pelvic floor physical therapy addresses these issues directly, helping to restore balance, reduce pain, and improve overall pelvic function.
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Endometriosis
1. Pain Reduction
Chronic pain from endometriosis can cause the pelvic floor muscles to stay in a constant state of tension. PFPT includes hands-on techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and relaxation exercises to ease muscle tightness and break the cycle of pain.
2. Improved Bladder and Bowel Function
Many women with endometriosis experience bladder urgency, painful urination, constipation, or difficulty with bowel movements. Pelvic floor therapy focuses on retraining the muscles involved in these functions, helping to reduce discomfort and improve daily quality of life.
3. Enhanced Sexual Health
Pain during intercourse is common with endometriosis due to tight and overactive pelvic floor muscles. PFPT works to desensitize painful areas, stretch tense muscles, and improve circulation, making intimacy more comfortable and enjoyable.
4. Post-Surgical Recovery Support
For those who undergo laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis, pelvic floor physical therapy plays a crucial role in post-operative recovery. Therapy helps to address scar tissue mobility, restore normal pelvic muscle function, and prevent pain from becoming chronic.
5. Personalized Pain Management Strategies
Pelvic floor physical therapists provide customized strategies for pain relief, including relaxation techniques, breathwork, stretching, and strengthening exercises tailored to your body’s needs.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
If you have endometriosis and are struggling with chronic pain, bladder or bowel issues, or painful intimacy, pelvic floor physical therapy can help. At Rhode Island Pelvic Wellness, we specialize in working with women to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
💡 Curious about what sets us apart? Visit our About page to discover our unique approach and why we stand out!
📅 Not sure if PFPT is right for you? Schedule a free discovery call to discuss your symptoms and see how we can help you feel your best.
Don't let endometriosis control your life—take the first step toward relief today!
