Your Endometriosis Health Team
If you are living with endometriosis, you're likely aware that it's a complex condition that can benefit from a health team (#endometriosisdreamteam). Because I believe in integrative medicine and the value of different wisdom and experiences, I wanted to share a few of health practitioners (aside from your Ob/Gyn) that can help you alleviate pain and improve your quality of life!
Who should be on your team
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is more than just kegels! Within the pelvic region, endometriosis can cause inflammation, scar tissue, adhesions, pain and muscle tightness. Muscle tightness may occur when women are curled up in fetal position or because of anticipation of painful sex. Pelvic floor physiotherapists are able to assess the pelvic floor muscles and release any trigger points as well as help release scar tissue.
Moreover, the alignment of pelvic organs and ligaments may be distorted due to pain or other factors, and pelvic floor physios are able to help bring back a healthy alignment to the pelvic region.
When the body has a pelvic floor dysfuntion, it may lead to the following symptoms:
- Pain in the back, hips, and sacroiliac joint
- difficulty urinating, increases urination, burning or pain with urination
- constipation or diarrhea
- painful bowel movements and faecal incontinence
- painful sex
- inability to tolerate a speculum during a gynaecological exam
- pain with wearing tampons and menstrual cups
Massage Therapist
Massage therapy is one of those gentle, yet effective treatments that can have big results. Abdominal massage is designed to stimulate and increase the flow of blood, lymph and qi to everything in the pelvic region (such as organs, ligaments and tissues). Moreover, some treatments can gently shift the uterus and other organs into a healthier alignment - which may lead to the reduction of uterine spasms and adhesions.
Sex Therapist
Sexual therapy can aid people who are experiencing sexual difficulties, with the goal of promoting physical intimacy. Many women with endometriosis suffer from sexual dysfunction, specifically when it comes to deep penetrative sex (likely due to the area inhabited by endometrial lesions). Down the line, this may lead to negative effects on relationships, mental and emotional well-being, a decrease in quality of life.
Because fear and anticipation of pain can inhibit the sexual response (and affect desire and lubrication), a sex therapist may suggest and facilitate communication between partners, help with alternative sexual practices, and provide relaxation techniques.
Naturopathic Doctor
I might be biased, but Naturopathic Doctors bring a lot to the table! When I work with my endometriosis clients, I like taking a look at the modifiable causes when it comes to guiding treatments. Specifically I take a look at inflammation and estrogen and work on those to help decrease pain within the body.
Therefore treatments include acupuncture (yes, NDs can perform acupuncture!), nutritional support, lifestyle changes, and smart supplementation. For instance, turmeric can be quite helpful for pain experienced with endometriosis. But before you make yourself a golden milk latte, it's important to remember dose and duration of treatment is necessary to elicit the desired effects. Lastly additional testing to assess stress and cortisol levels, as well as estrogen detoxification, can be quite useful in helping to guide treatment plans.
Final Thoughts
It's obvious that each member of this endometriosis dream team provides something unique in the treatment of this condition. And to be honest, you don't need to have endometriosis to have a well-rounded group of health practitioners. Most of us have a GP, Optometrist, Dentist - which help us take care of physical components of our body. But don't underestimate the value of taking care of your emotional and mental states as well!