WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Endometriosis is a gynecological disease that is characterized by the presence of tissue similar to the endometrium of the uterus in other locations in the body. At the moment, the exact causes of the development of endometriosis are not fully understood. The diagnosis is most often made between the ages of 30 and 50, although the onset of the development of this disease can take place much earlier. The disease affects both reproductive and postmenopausal women. It can also be detected in girls before menarche.
The inside of the uterus is lined with a special tissue called the endometrium. Its thickness and structure undergo cyclical changes under the influence of hormones related to the menstrual cycle. During menstruation, it is the endometrium that is shed and excreted with menstrual blood. In endometriosis, clusters of endometrial-like cells are seen outside the uterine cavity. Most often, endometriosis foci develop on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments surrounding the uterus and on the outer surface of the uterus. It is also possible for the endometrium to appear in other anatomical locations, such as in the vagina, on the peritoneum, in the bladder and other pelvic organs.
Ectopically located endometrial tissues are sensitive to the hormones responsible for regulating menstruation. This means that they grow and shed during menstruation. This results in internal bleeding and chronic inflammation, which lead to the appearance of disease symptoms and may result in the formation of adhesions, scars, cysts and other pathological changes.
SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS
In about a quarter of cases, endometriosis is asymptomatic. The severity of symptoms and possible complications depend on many factors, including: size and location of pathological changes.
The main symptom of endometriosis is recurrent pain in the pelvis. The intensity of the pain and its nature can vary – from mild to very strong, stabbing, which can radiate to the lumbar region. Patients suffering from this disease also report severe pain during menstruation, ovulation and pain during sexual intercourse.
In addition, menstrual disorders may occur. Menstrual bleeding can be irregular, often more profuse with significant intensification of additional symptoms. Sometimes there are also symptoms associated with disorders of the urinary and digestive systems, such as frequent urge to urinate, painful urination, hematuria, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, pain during defecation.
A very important and at the same time disturbing symptom that may indicate endometriosis are problems with getting pregnant. Endometriosis is one of the causes of infertility in women. According to the WHO definition, infertility can be diagnosed if, despite having regular sexual intercourse (3-4 per week) without using contraception for a period of 12 months, the woman does not become pregnant.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY?
In our clinic we deal with:
- mobilization of scars and adhesions
- normalization of muscle tone throughout the body and its specific areas
- elimination of painful trigger points in the area of the vagina, anus and deep muscles of the pelvic floor
- improvement of blood and lymph circulation in the areas of the body affected by endometriosis
- improving the work of internal organs and the pelvis
- improvement of mobility in the spine and peripheral joints
- reducing pain
We pay special attention to delicate osteopathic techniques and visceral therapy, i.e. work on the viscera.
Properly selected movement and exercises support the body, maintain the effects of therapy in the office. It should be an activity based mainly on improving the mobility and flexibility of the body, quite calm, yoga seems to be ideal in this case.
