Endometriosis and Exercise Physiology – What’s the connection?
Endometriosis, commonly known as ‘endo’ is a word you might have heard of and perhaps even associate with the female reproductive system, but how much do you really know about the condition and the systemic effects it can have on other bodily systems?
Endometriosis is suspected to affect 1 in every 10 women of reproductive age, so it is very prevalent in our society. This condition is where cells similar to those in the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium) are found in other parts of the body. The most common sites for this include the ovaries and fallopian tubes, lining of the abdominal cavity, and other parts of the pelvic region; however they can also be found outside of the pelvic region in other bodily organs. This generates an inflammatory response, particularly around the time of menstruation, which can result in signficiant pain, bleeding and other symptoms affecting other bodily systems (such as IBS, diarrhoea, bloating, lethargy, depression, anxiety and issues with fertility). The symptomology can be considered quite broad and subjective, and as a result, women don’t know if their symptoms are ‘normal’ or not. This, combined with the lack of awareness within the medical system, means that the average time until diagnosis is actually 7 years! This is why early diagnosis is so important.
Why am I interested in endometriosis as an Exercise Physiologist?
The right type of movement can play an important role in managing the inflammation levels throughout the body that occur with endo. The symptoms listed above often pose a barrier for participating in exercise, particularly high intensity exercise. It is important to receive support from someone such as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist to find what type of exercise or movement that your body is going to tolerate and allow for progression in a strategic manner. We want to focus on restorative type exercise that is going to assist with the reduction in inflammation rather than contributing to it. This can interrupt the cycle of deconditioning that often occurs when these barriers are not addressed. The nature of endo is also commonly associated with tightness in the pelvic floor muscles and therefore we can also provide support with promoting length and relaxation through the whole pelvic region. We can work closely with your other health professionals that are helping to manage your condition.
If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis, it’s so important to get a team around you that are passionate advocates and will look at all facets of your health. If you would like to find out further information about how we can help, please give us a call on 3325 3678.
To read more:
Book: Beating Endo (How to Reclaim Your Life From Endometriosis) by Iris Kerrin Orbuch and Amy Stein.
Jean Hailes website: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/endometriosis