Pelvic Pain Clinic

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus—on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, or other areas in the pelvis. This tissue responds to hormonal cycles and can cause inflammation, scar tissue (adhesions), and pain. It affects approximately 1 in 10 women and takes an average of 7 to 11 years to diagnose. Currently there are no cures for endometriosis; however, a multimodal, holistic approach including physical therapy has been shown to be affective in managing the disease.

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Symptoms often include:

• Pelvic pain (cyclical or constant)

• Pain with periods, sex, bowel movements, or urination

• Bloating, fatigue, and digestive issues

• Difficulty getting pregnant

Endometriosis affects the whole pelvic system, not just reproductive organs. And while there’s no known cure yet, there are many ways to manage and reduce symptoms—including pelvic floor physical therapy.

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How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Endometriosis doesn’t just cause pain from the endometrial lesions—it also creates protective tension patterns, inflammation, and nervous system hypersensitivity. Over time, this can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, muscle guarding, and chronic pain that persists even between cycles.

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Here’s how physical therapy can help:

1. Releases Pelvic Floor and Abdominal Muscle Tension
   Chronic pelvic pain often causes the muscles in the pelvic floor, hips, and abdomen to tighten and guard. A pelvic health PT uses gentle manual therapy, breathwork, and movement strategies to help release this tension, improving comfort and mobility.

2. Improves Scar Tissue Mobility and Fascial Restrictions
   Endometriosis often leads to adhesions and fascial tightness. Physical therapy can gently mobilize these tissues to restore movement and reduce pulling or referred pain.

3. Calms an Overactive Nervous System
   Endo pain can sensitize the nervous system, making the whole pelvic region more reactive. PT helps retrain the brain-body connection using calming techniques like breathing, grounding, and gentle movement to lower that sensitivity.

4. Addresses Posture, Breathing, and Movement Patterns
   Because people with endo often subconsciously move differently to protect against pain, PT can help identify and correct these patterns—reducing strain on the pelvis and supporting long-term healing.

5. Provides Education and Empowerment
   Understanding your body is key. Physical therapists guide you with personalized tools and home strategies that help you feel more in control of your symptoms and recovery.

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What the Research Says:

Pelvic physical therapy is a recommended non-surgical treatment for people with endometriosis, particularly those experiencing chronic pelvic pain. Clinical studies and guidelines support PT as part of a multidisciplinary approach to reduce pain, improve function, and support quality of life.

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In Short:

Endometriosis doesn’t just affect your uterus—it impacts muscles, nerves, and the way your whole body moves and feels. Pelvic physical therapy treats the full picture, helping reduce pain, improve movement, and support your long-term well-being.