By Annalise Johnson, Massage Therapist at PhysioCentral, Miranda, the Sutherland Shire
You can read all about Annalise here
Introduction
Did you know that 1 in 9 women in Australia suffer from endometriosis? For many, it’s not just a “bad period.” It’s a constant cycle of pain, fatigue, and frustration that seeps into everyday life.
The constant ache in your lower back. The sharp pains during a normal bowel movement. The tightness in your hips that never quite goes away.
At PhysioCentral, Annalise Johnson has helped many women navigate life with endometriosis.
She understands how it can overwhelm not only your body but your mind.
But there’s good news: relief is possible. With the right massage treatment, tailored to your specific needs, the pain and tension caused by endometriosis can be significantly reduced.
So, what exactly is endometriosis? And how can massage help? Let’s break it down in simple terms and explore how specialised massage techniques can bring relief and help you feel more in control of your body.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic and often misunderstood condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus.
This misplaced tissue typically appears on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other areas in the pelvic cavity. However, it can also spread to other areas within the abdominal and pelvic region.
Unlike normal endometrial tissue, which sheds during menstruation, this tissue cannot leave the body, leading to inflammation, severe pain, and scar tissue formation (adhesions).
Common symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Pelvic pain, particularly during menstruation
- Pain during or after intercourse
- Painful bladder and bowel movements
- Fatigue
- Bloating, nausea, and digestive issues
- Leg cramps and pelvic pain throughout the menstrual cycle
- Infertility
The pain caused by endometriosis can be debilitating, often affecting various aspects of life. Although medical treatments such as hormone therapy and surgery are standard, complementary therapies like massage can offer significant relief.
How Can Massage Help with Endometriosis?
Massage therapy is a well-known method for alleviating muscular tension, tightness, spasm, cramping and pain. It provides not only physical relief but also therapeutic benefits such as relaxation and emotional restoration.
At PhysioCentral, Annalise has seen firsthand how targeted massage can help women manage their symptoms, feel more comfortable, and enhance their overall well-being.
Here are some key ways massage can support those living with endometriosis:
1. Reducing Pelvic and Lower Back Pain
Pelvic pain, a hallmark symptom of endometriosis, often extends to the lower back and hips.
Techniques such as myofascial release and deep tissue massage are particularly effective at targeting the muscles around the lower back and sacrum, helping to release tension, improve circulation, and reduce pain.
Regular sessions on these areas can make a significant difference, especially during menstruation when symptoms peak.
2. Easing Abdominal Discomfort
Flowing and gentle abdominal massage can relieve bloating and constipation, two common symptoms of endometriosis.
By working in the direction of the intestines and bowel, this type of massage helps stimulate digestion, reduce bloating, and relax the abdominal muscles.
3. Addressing Leg Pain and Muscular Tightness
Many women with endometriosis experience pain radiating into their legs, making walking uncomfortable and causing tightness in the thighs and surrounding muscles.
Massage therapy targeting the legs can help alleviate this discomfort, promoting flexibility and reducing muscle tightness.
4. Relieving Neck and Shoulder Tension
Stress and pain often accumulate in the neck and shoulders, especially for those living with chronic conditions like endometriosis.
By addressing these areas with therapeutic massage, women can experience relief from tension headaches and overall stress, contributing to an enhanced sense of well-being.
5. Improving Circulation and Reducing Inflammation
Inflammation plays a significant role in endometriosis pain.
Massage enhances circulation, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to tissues while flushing out toxins. This reduces inflammation and promotes the body’s natural healing processes.
Techniques like lymphatic drainage massage, performed by our resident Lymphatic Drainage massage therapist, Michelle, can also reduce bloating and fluid retention, which are common complaints for women with endometriosis.
Check out Michelle’s Bio here
6. Supporting Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Endometriosis takes a toll on emotional health, often contributing to anxiety, depression, and frustration. Massage provides more than just physical relief—it encourages relaxation, reduces stress hormones, and releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
This holistic approach can support emotional well-being, making it easier to cope with the challenges of living with a chronic condition.
7. Supporting Post-Surgical Recovery
For women who undergo surgery to remove endometrial tissue, massage therapy can be an effective part of the recovery process. Post-surgical massage helps reduce the formation of new adhesions, enhances mobility, and promotes faster healing by encouraging circulation and reducing inflammation.
What to Expect from an Endometriosis Massage
At PhysioCentral, Annalise takes a personalised approach to massage therapy, tailoring treatments to each woman’s unique needs
Clients are encouraged to communicate openly during the session, ensuring that treatments are adjusted to suit their comfort level.
Annalise’s goal is to provide holistic care that addresses both physical and emotional needs, allowing women to feel more at ease in their bodies.
Final Thoughts
While massage cannot cure endometriosis, it can offer substantial relief from pain, reduce tension, and enhance overall quality of life.
As a drug-free and non-invasive treatment, massage provides a natural way to manage symptoms and support well-being.
At PhysioCentral in Miranda, Annalise is dedicated to helping women in The Sutherland Shire find relief through specialised massage for endometriosis.
Book an endometriosis massage with Annalise today because you deserve relief from chronic pain, a personalised approach tailored to your body’s needs, and a chance to reclaim comfort and balance in your life.
Let Annalise help you feel more at ease, both physically and mentally, with compassionate, specialised care.
Annalise Johnson, Massage Therapist: Looking after all of our Endometriosis patients at PhysioCentral. Miranda. Sutherland Shire.