Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and What it Has Done For Me

I’m not going to lie, before I went to my first pelvic physical therapy session, I was skeptical that it would really help the post-surgery pain I was feeling. I had been told three different things about my pain at this point and I had pretty much just decided there was nothing that could be done about it. I was so tired of throwing away money trying to figure it out. A handful of other women, including Kate, had told me about the benefits they were receiving from physical therapy, so I decided I’d at least give it a try. Luckily for me, the nurse practitioner I see for things related to my endo just happens to be good friends with the most qualified pelvic floor physical therapist in Wichita. She assured me that Pam really knew a lot about endometriosis and treating patients post excision surgery and was confident she could help relieve my pain, but would also be honest with me if there wasn’t anything that could be done. This is something I appreciated hearing because we all know what it’s like to wish a medical professional would just be honest about not knowing how to help! So here’s my journey with pelvic physical therapy so far.

I was terrified when I went in for my first session, I knew at some point there was going to be internal work involved and I didn’t know if I could handle the pain, especially after having an incredibly painful pelvic sonogram just a few months prior. I never expected the amazing experience I was about to step in to. Pam had such a confidence about her that was instantly reassuring to me. She spoke with me about my pain and other symptoms I was having and said the magic words, “I can help you”. I was also excited to learn that she knew all about excision surgery and had heard great things about Dr. Sinervo in Atlanta. Most professionals in Wichita seemed completely clueless about the fact that an endo specialist even existed. I was getting tired of explaining to them how this surgery was different then the surgery most OBs perform and ‘why in the world I traveled all the way to Georgia to have surgery’. Pam knew exactly why I made that decision and showed full support of my choices! She explained that she fully believed excision surgery was the way to go for endo patients. I was so happy to hear this I could have hugged her! Next, she had me lie down on my back on her table and put a pillow under my legs. Then she began placing her hands on my abdomen/pelvis and very gently pushed down. She would press and hold in different areas and I would feel the muscles and tissue relax and even move, it was a feeling of instant relief. I was completely baffled that such gentle touches could feel so good! The entire hour I was with Pam her hands were working on my body. She explained what she was doing and the effects of it as she went. She explained how the muscles around the areas of pain in my body were tight and likely pulling on tissue arched to the organs around it. She explained how that lovely little extra pelvic left ovary of mine referred to different places in my body. She found all the sources of my pain with ease and found some I didn’t even realize were there. My mind is still blown just thinking of it now.

If I really would have stopped to think about how connected the body is, it would have made so much sense to me, especially because I have done chiropractic care regularly for several years and have had some great benefits from it, why wouldn’t another form of bodywork and manipulation be just as effective in pain relief ? I suppose I had just chosen to believe nobody could help me and closed my mind to the possibility of relief. I had unrealistically expected that after having extensive pelvic surgery I’d be living a blissful pain-free life…I clearly did not manage my expectations very well. I have learned it is important to always remember that excision surgery is the first step towards addressing pelvic pain.

My initial session was early in the morning before work, I now make a point to either go at the end of the day or on my day off, because my body becomes so relaxed that all I want to do is lay down for the rest of the day! That night I came home from work and CRASHED. It was the best sleep I had gotten in months, oh and for the first time since my surgery I was able to comfortably lay on my side for a while without being in pain! I couldn’t believe how effective just one session was on relieving the pain that had been present every day for the last several months. I was so mad at myself for not giving it a try sooner! Every session since has brought more improvements, not only for my physical health but also for my mental health. I had become some defeated by my pain prior to physical therapy that I didn’t even want to try to address it anymore. I had accepted a life of pain and begun to let it control me. It’s crazy what a little pain relief, and hearing someone say “I believe you and I can help you” can do for your state of mind. I would say choosing to start pelvic floor therapy was one of the best decisions of my life in regards to my health. I wish I had known about Pam sooner! I tell everyone I know who is suffering from endo to go see her, especially if surgery is not an option for them right away! I have full confidence in her abilities to help reduce endo related pain. If you are in the Wichita area I highly recommend scheduling with her. For those of you that don’t have access to the amazing Pam Bauchmoyer, don’t worry there are other pelvic floor PT’s out there! But just like physicians, not all PT’s are as skilled when it comes to treating conditions of the pelvis. Here’s what you want to look for when choosing a physical therapist.

Make sure you are seeing a Women’s Health or Pelvic Rehab PT. Pam shared with me that the most well-known educator for this is the Pelvic Rehab Institute, formerly known as Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehab. The website provides a place to find physical therapists in your area who were trained under the institute. It is also important to make sure the physical therapist has done Visceral Manipulation courses taught by the Barral Institute. Before selecting a physical therapist these are questions you should ask. The therapy should include a lot of gentle hands-on treatment as well as discussion of diet, exercise, and well being. Pam warns that red flags would be someone who doesn’t want to do an internal exam, treats by only giving exercises, or only treats the spine. If you can’t find a qualified physical therapist in your area, Pam says to search for a massage therapist who specializes in Visceral Manipulation.

I strongly believe Pelvic physical therapy should be a vital part of every endo patients life and is a huge benefit to those of us recovering from extensive pelvic surgery. There are many non-pharmaceutical forms of relief from the disease and I plan to share everything that has helped me in future posts.

Link to Pelvic Floor Therapists