What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition affecting around 1.5 million women’s health. It is caused when cells similar to those in the lining of the womb grow elsewhere in the body.
These cells respond the menstrual cycle in the same way as those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Because this blood has no way to escape.
Scar tissue and inflammation can result, along with pain that is often described as a dull and aching. This pain can worsen during sex or be accompanied by interstitial cystitis – an inflammation of the bladder lining.
Other impacts include fatigue, infertility, abnormal bleeding from the womb, and problems with the bladder and bowel, not to mention the emotional impact and distress caused by the condition.
If you’re struggling to cope with the symptoms of endometriosis, we know it can feel hard to reach out for help. Even when surgery is booked, there may be a long waiting time during which the pain of endometriosis continues to impact your life.
A holistic approach to endometriosis
Here in our Cambridgeshire clinic, we take a holistic approach to managing the pain of endometriosis, while addressing some of the issues causing distress. Our experienced practitioners use a range of techniques and tools that address the root causes of endometriosis and provide symptomatic relief.
Laser Therapy for endometriosis
K-Laser therapy is a safe, effective and non-invasive tool for pain relief and to heal inflammation. It uses selected wavelengths of light to stimulate key tissues, accelerating the stages of the healing process and reducing pain sensation. We offer this therapy as part of our integrated approach.
Hands-on therapy for endometriosis
Hands-on therapy and bodywork addresses tightness and tension in the abdominal and back area that results from frequent cramping and spasms.
A build-up of scar tissue, either from the condition itself or surgery, can cause the formation of tighter, thicker pelvic muscles and connective tissue (fascia). These trigger points then respond to tension patterns created in the abdomen. An osteopath or physiotherapist will work to ease this pain and encourage relaxation in the area.
Our team of experienced practitioners will take a full case history, checking diet and stress levels. This is followed by a thorough assessment of the alignment of the pelvis. Where appropriate, our female osteopath may use internal visceral manipulation to check for pelvic adhesions. She will work to gently restore a more harmonious relationship between the pelvic organs and their attachments. These organs are intricately linked to the health of the body as a whole, and require good blood supply, nerve connection and drainage to function well.
Your practitioner will then design a programme of therapy and exercise focussed on strengthening your pelvic floor muscles, reducing pain, and managing stress and anxiety. After any surgery, rehabilitation programmes can help your body get back into shape by strengthening compromised abdominal and back muscles. Dietary recommendations may be included, to avoid inflammatory foods.
Any excessive bloating of the belly (‘endo belly’) may be caused by inflammation or by tightness in the pelvic floor. This tightness means the pelvic muscles cannot provide adequate support, so the belly balloons out. Osteopathy or physiotherapy can support relaxation of that protective response.
Empowering you
Experiencing the deep connections between everything from nerves to pelvic muscles to emotional wellbeing can be enormously empowering to women.
Likewise, knowing techniques and exercises to use when at home during a pain flare helps to remind you that you do have influence over your own daily life. We’ll walk with you so you know you’re not alone.
Ready to see how we can help you? Book an appointment with one of our team now.