What is Endometriosis (Endo) and How Physical Therapy Can Help with Pain

Symptoms of Endometriosis and Pain Relief Options

What is Endometriosis (Endo)?

Did you know that Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women who are in their reproductive/childbearing years? That’s about 190 million people throughout the world. So, it makes you wonder…if it is affecting so many people, why do we not hear about it as often as other chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or cancer? Because surgery at this time is the most reliable diagnostic tool, it can make it tough for those seeking a diagnosis, as this is not a quick and easy doctor’s visit to schedule during a busy lifestyle!

Endometriosis can create a cascade effect throughout the body. The severity of the endometriosis does not always equate to the severity of symptoms. Some women with severe endometriosis may not even show symptoms! Symptoms of Endo that can be alleviated by excision surgery tend to be unrelenting and unchanged with positional change or external intervention, and these symptoms typically worsen in a cyclical fashion throughout one’s menstrual cycle (think: having to miss work to in a crouched position with a heating pad just to get through the pain of your period).

However, symptoms related to endometriosis that are a response to the Endo is something that can be addressed with Physical Therapy!

These symptoms include:

• Pelvic Pain
• Pain with intercourse
• Pelvic Floor Muscle Overactivity (PFM-O)
• Pudendal Neuralgia 
• Bowel dysfunctions (constipation, diarrhea)
• Bladder dysfunctions (bladder pain, urgency/frequency, leaking)
• Abdominal and low back pain
• Increased pain around your period

Think you may have endometriosis? We can help! No…we cannot perform surgical excision procedures to remove endometriosis, however, we can help to minimize your symptoms in response to the endometriosis to get through your day a little easier. Also, if we suspect that the endometriosis is severely impacting your life, we will guide you towards a proper diagnosis with a physician who is able to identify the lesions. 

We’re so happy to help and want to see every woman live their most energetic, active lives! Give us a call at 515-255-3932 to set-up your appointment today!

Randi Kass, PT, DPT

ICareBetter Vetted Endometriosis Physical Therapist

Breathe. is unique! Private, personalized care that celebrates client victories, big and small. We believe all women deserve to live energetic, vibrant and active lives and it’s our mission to be a partner in achieving that, by specializing in dry needling, DRA, pants peeing, pregnancy/postpartum pain and recovery, pelvic floor dysfunction, headaches, back pain and other orthopedic concerns. 

Appointments available in Des Moines, West Des Moines and Iowa City / Cedar Rapids area. www.breatheptw.com