If you're dealing with endometriosis or another cause of pelvic pain, there's absolutely hope. For practical, positive information and a supportive community, we established the Finding Pelvic Sanity online Facebook group - feel free to join!
Definition
Endometriosis is a pelvic pain condition where endometrial-like tissue is found growing outside the uterus. It affects about 1 in 10 women, causing abdominal pain and cramping, pelvic pain, prolonged cramping and painful intercourse.
Symptoms
The hallmark symptoms of endometriosis are pain with menstruation, abdominal and pelvic pain. Other common symptoms include bloating, GI symptoms, painful intercourse, low back pain, nausea, constipation and infertility.
Bloating
GI symptoms (constipation or diarrhea)
Painful intercoures
Low back pain
Nausea
Infertility
Diagnosis
Though it can be suspected by symptoms, endometriosis can only be diagnosed with a laparoscopic surgery. It is often best to see a physician who specializes in excision surgery for best care.
Physical Therapy for Endometriosis
Much of the pain and symptoms of endometriosis are caused or amplified by trigger points in the abdomen or pelvic floor. In fact, more than 90% of women with endo have these trigger points in their abdomen or pelvic floor.
While excision surgery is the gold standard for endometriosis treatment, pelvic PT can manage symptoms, reduce scar tissue adhesions after surgery, and help postpone surgery or prevent additional surgeries.
Physical therapy can also address the bloating, constipation, painful intercourse, and other associated symptoms of endometriosis.
Wondering if you may have pelvic floor dysfunction? Take the free Cozean Pelvic Health Screening Protocol!
At PelvicSanity, we support patients beyond the walls of our own clinic in Southern California. We offer an Out-of-Town program, remote consultations, and a Facebook support group for patients called Finding Pelvic Sanity.
Dr. Nicole Cozean is the founder of PelvicSanity Physical Therapy in Orange County, CA. PelvicSanity treats patients from all over the world with remote consultations and the Immersive Out of Town Program. She also runs Pelvic PT Rising, training other pelvic PTs to better serve patients.
Named Physical Therapist of the Year, Dr. Nicole is author of the award-winning book The Interstitial Cystitis Solution and the first PT to serve on the ICA Board of Directors, Her passion is helping those with pelvic health issues - regardless of where they live - find lasting relief.