Endometriosis Physical Therapy
When a person has endometriosis, tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus on other organs, where it becomes inflamed and causes scarring and pain. There is no cure for endometriosis. However, pelvic floor physical therapy can help manage and reduce pain. Solstice pelvic floor therapists work with patients to understand their unique symptom history. Pelvic floor therapy, along with medical care provided by other clinicians who specialize in pelvic pain and endometriosis, may help improve the quality of life for people who suffer from mild and severe endometriosis pelvic pain.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Endometriosis
Endometriosis (when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus on other organs) can create chronic pelvic floor tension, guarding, and overactivity. When muscles brace to try and protect areas from pain, ironically this may cause greater pain even after treatments such as surgery, hormone therapy and/or medication management.
The pelvic floor therapists at Solstice Physiotherapy work with patients to:
- address bowel and bladder symptoms with different strategies
- improve mobility of scar tissue
- provide relaxation techniques, e.g., breath work and diaphragmatic breathing
- reduce pain during sex with gradual desensitization strategies
- relieve pelvic floor tension and trigger points
- teach patients how to best manage pain during flare-ups.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is not a replacement for surgical or medication management. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments to help optimize bowel, bladder, and sexual function. Patients may have therapy before surgery to prepare, but most come in after surgery to aid with recovery, unlearn muscle guarding patterns, and receive help in managing pelvic floor dysfunction and symptoms.
Many people spend years dealing with endometriosis pain because they doubt their own symptoms, feelings, and experiences. If this sounds familiar, pelvic floor physical therapy may be a good choice. At Solstice Physiotherapy, we have resources and expertise and are good listeners. We will create a comprehensive plan of care and refer you to other medical professionals, as needed, to create the best team to provide the medical treatment you need.
Endometrosis Symptoms and Treatment Options
Endometriosis Symptoms
Endometriosis is a complex condition that may affect a variety of systems in the body. Symptoms vary from person to person, making diagnosis a challenge. Common symptoms associated with endometriosis include:
- heavy or excessive menstrual bleeding
- painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
- pain during intercourse
- painful urination
- spotting between periods, even while on hormonal birth control intended to suppress bleeding.
- constipation, diarrhea, or bowel issues/pain
- lower back pain
Presentation is not straightforward, and symptoms are often cyclical and may worsen over time.
Endometriosis Treatments
Treatment for endometriosis is determined by severity and the number and types of symptoms. A multifaceted approach that requires a multidisciplinary team often works best. Treatment may include:
- pelvic floor therapy
- endometriosis excision surgery
- hormone management
- nutrition, bowel and bladder symptom management
- pain management
Welcome New Patients
Solstice Physiotherapy accepts new patients at our four locations in New York, including Midtown and Downtown in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester.
Contact us to make an appointment for your initial evaluation.
We do accept insurance and are out-of-network providers.
Five Convenient New York Locations
NEW: HUNTINGTON
11 Stewart Ave.
Suite #1
Huntington NY 11743
NYC - MIDTOWN
315 Madison Ave., Suite 2100
New York, NY 10017
NYC - DOWNTOWN
139 Fulton Street, Suite 1012
New York, NY 10282
LONG ISLAND
8 Bond Street, #301
Great Neck, NY, 11021
WESTCHESTER
862 Scarsdale Avenue
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pelvic floor physical therapy?
Pelvic floor PT focuses on the muscles, connective tissues, and movement of the pelvis. The aim of therapy is to restore function, reduce pain, and support pelvic health in terms of bowel/bladder/sexual function.
Will pelvic floor physical therapy cure endometriosis?
No. Pelvic floor physical therapy will not cure Endometriosis, but it may help to reduce symptoms.
Will physical therapy alleviate endometriosis pain?
For patients with endometriosis, pelvic floor physical therapy addresses muscle tension, scar tissue restrictions, and movement changes that often cause or worsen pelvic pain. Using hands-on work, targeted exercises, and movement retraining, it can ease tension, improve circulation, increase pelvic mobility, and reduce pain.
How long will I need to have physical therapy to treat endometriosis?
Pelvic floor therapy for endometriosis tends to reduce symptoms over time. When symptoms are being driven by pelvic floor overactivity, protective muscle guarding, and nerve sensitization, early sessions often focus on assessment and calming pain signaling. Many people notice meaningful reduction in symptoms and pain over several weeks as muscles start to relax and coordination improves, especially for pain with sex, bladder/bowel symptoms, and daily pelvic tension. Your physical therapists will work with you to determine how long to be in therapy.
Free Pelvic Floor Exercise Physical Therapy Videos
Here is a sampling of pelvic floor physical therapy videos. Note that we don’t recommend you try these exercises for the first time alone, as they should be done under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist to ensure proper positioning.
Schedule your appointment so we can get you started on a personalized physical therapy exercise plan.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Pelvic floor muscle assessment
Pelvic Floor Strengthening Exercises
TrA activation
Diaphragmatic breathing
Mini Yoga break: relax your pelvic floor
Patient Testimonials
Solstice Physiotherapy is proud to help our patients recover from injuries and live pain-free lives. But don’t take our word for it, here are some reviews from patients who have benefited from our services.
“As an post-op endometriosis patient, pain isn’t new to me, and frankly I was very nervous to start pelvic floor therapy. I’m fortunate to have found Solstice because of its impeccable, kind, and educative services that have made my recovery smoother and less daunting. Every person makes you feel comfortable and as relaxed as possible in a positive workplace. My main PT, Jackie, is generous, kind, and extremely knowledgable- she’s a professional that I can rely on and understands my experiences- truly an optimist and very pleasant to be with. Mikaela saved me from a mistake I made going to the wrong location and she effortlessly stepped in and I was able to get my treatment the same day even when it was my mistake. Mikaela is sweet, tender, and honestly makes you forget you’re at pelvic floor therapy. Her abdomen massages are nourishing and that’s what I feel like when I step out of this office. Ladies, thank you for being kind and ultimately taking care of us when some of us don’t know how to!”
— Rochelle
“Honestly a life changer. Emma was wonderful. Made me feel very comfortable. I learned so much and have improved significantly. Totally vital for anyone with endometriosis.”
— Pamela
“Finding Solstice has been life changing for me as I navigate my endometriosis related pelvic pain. I appreciate how they always makes sure I am comfortable and remembers and builds off of past sessions. In addition, they provide advice on ways to ease my pain away from our sessions. I can’t recommend them enough.”
— Jessica
Endometriosis Blog Articles
How Physical Therapy Can Help Manage Endometriosis Symptoms
1 in 10 people with female anatomy suffer from endometriosis Physical therapy can help manage some of the symptoms of the disease. Endometriosis is a painful and debilitating gynecological disease caused by endometrial tissue located outside of the...