Pelvic Floor Therapy for Endometriosis: How It Can Help
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 people with uteruses, yet it often goes undiagnosed for years. If you’ve been diagnosed or suspect you have endometriosis, you may be wondering, “What’s next?” While there is no cure, a multidisciplinary approach—including pelvic floor physical therapy—can be a game-changer in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
At Awake Pelvic Health & Wellness, we specialize in helping individuals with endometriosis navigate chronic pelvic pain, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and musculoskeletal imbalances through hands-on, whole-body treatment. Let’s explore the connection between endometriosis and the pelvic floor, common treatments, and how pelvic floor physical therapy can play a crucial role in your care plan.
Endometriosis & The Pelvic Floor: What’s the Connection?
Many people with endometriosis also experience pelvic floor dysfunction, even if they don’t realize it. This happens because:
Chronic pain causes muscles to tighten and spasm, leading to discomfort with movement, intimacy, and daily activities.
Endometriosis lesions can impact surrounding organs, contributing to bladder, bowel, and core dysfunction.
The nervous system becomes hypersensitive, amplifying pain signals and making symptoms worse over time.
Pelvic floor therapy does not cure endometriosis, but it can significantly reduce symptoms, improve mobility, and restore function, making it a valuable part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps Endometriosis Symptoms
Pelvic floor therapy can help with:
Pain with intercourse
Constipation, bloating, and bowel discomfort
Low back, hip, and SI joint pain
Chronic pelvic pain and muscle tightness
Urinary urgency, frequency, or incomplete emptying
At Awake Pelvic Health & Wellness, we take a whole-body approach to treatment, using techniques such as:
Manual Therapy & Myofascial Release – Hands-on techniques to release muscle tension, reduce scar tissue restrictions, and improve mobility.
Internal & External Trigger Point Release – Targeting overactive pelvic muscles that may be contributing to pain and dysfunction.
Visceral Mobilization – Addressing abdominal adhesions and scar tissue to improve gut motility and reduce bloating.
Dry Needling & Cupping Therapy – Reducing muscular tension and improving blood flow to restricted areas.
Breathwork & Nervous System Regulation – Helping to downtrain hypersensitive pain pathways and improve relaxation.
Bladder & Bowel Retraining – Strategies to support digestion, ease constipation, and improve bladder control.
By working in collaboration with your medical team, pelvic floor therapy can help you move beyond pain and reclaim your daily function.
Medical & Surgical Treatment Options for Endometriosis
Since endometriosis is a systemic, inflammatory disease, many treatment options focus on managing pain and slowing disease progression. Your healthcare provider may recommend:
Medications: Pain relievers (like NSAIDs), hormonal birth control, or GnRH medications to suppress symptoms.
Surgery: Excision surgery is considered the gold standard for fully removing endometriosis lesions.
New Research & Emerging Treatments: Scientists are exploring nerve-related pain treatments, gut health connections, and immune system involvement in endometriosis.
Because endometriosis is complex, a team-based approach is key to long-term relief.
How to Find the Right Endometriosis Specialist
Finding a knowledgeable provider is essential for getting the best care possible. Here’s where to start:
Check specialist directories like the Endometriosis Foundation of America or iCareBetter for vetted experts.
Ask for referrals from your OB-GYN, pelvic floor therapist, or pain specialist who understands endometriosis.
Look for a provider who understands excision surgery and is willing to work collaboratively with other specialists.
Building a Team for Comprehensive Endometriosis Care
Endometriosis affects more than just the reproductive system, so a multidisciplinary care team is essential. Your care team may include:
Endometriosis specialists trained in excision surgery
Pelvic floor physical therapists to address pain and movement restrictions
Gastroenterologists for bowel-related symptoms
Pain management specialists for nerve pain and systemic symptoms
Mental health professionals to support overall well-being
With the right team, treatment plan, and support, you don’t have to navigate endometriosis alone.
