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What should be done after the diagnosis of endometriosis?
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What might a multidisciplinary approach be like to reduce pain and restore bodily function?
You Have Been Diagnosed With Endometriosis… What Will You Do Now?
Now that you have a definitive diagnosis, you will probably want to start treatment. While there is no definitive cure for endometriosis, there are many treatment options that can help reduce pain and improve bodily function. In many cases, treatment will need to be multidisciplinary and will likely involve a combination of medication, pelvic floor physical therapist, functional nutritional supplementation, and surgery. Don’t be intimidated by these, they will help improve your quality of life as long as you work with real people.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy May Help With Endometriosis Symptoms
Because chronic pelvic pain is a common segment of endometriosis, many patients may or need to be referred to a pelvic floor physical therapist. Pelvic floor physiotherapists can help improve bodily function and reduce symptoms and pain related to urinary, bowel and sexual function. Some of the ways it can help include:
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Examination of the connective tissues of the lower abdomen, buttocks, and inner thighs to determine if there is tissue restriction
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Internal pelvic exam to determine if the patient has appropriate motor control, muscle strength, and mobility of the pelvic floor muscles
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Myofascial release to external tissues that can cause pain and finite function
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Trigger point release methods in the pelvic floor muscles that may affect urinary, bowel or sexual function
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Behavioral training of proper defecation mechanics and voiding habits to reduce pressure on the pelvic floor
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Pain management and possible myofascial pelvic pain manual therapy methods
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Re-learning muscle control with a biofeedback device
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Relaxation methods for the body and pelvic floor
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breathing exercises
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Yoga and other forms of training
Although there is no definitive cure for endometriosis, there is hope for better function and pain relief. Treatment should be patient-specific and take into account the individual symptoms and goals of each patient. Many times this requires a multidisciplinary approach. Primarily, your gynecologist will be the first person you should talk to. However, diagnosis and treatment may need to include an endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, pelvic floor physiotherapist, functional dietitian.
