What is endometriosis, and can massage help?

It’s widely believed that Disney movies convey unrealistic ideas about love. But what about other topics that are part of growing up? Did you know that Walt Disney Productions released an educational film titled “The Story of Menstruation” in 1946? And unlike many of Disney’s love stories, it was quite factual and educational.  The term “endometriosis,” which describes a condition related to the female menstrual cycle, had already been established a decade earlier, in the 1930s. Nevertheless, this condition is certainly not mentioned in the short film in question. This is illustrative of how endometriosis has been treated—a trend that continues to this day—even though at least one in ten women worldwide is affected by it. If those affected were to write their own “Story of Menstruation,” it most likely wouldn’t be a Disney movie.

Experts believe that genetic factors play a role in the development of endometriosis and that the immune system is also involved. Despite widespread symptoms such as pain—which often becomes chronic—and resulting fertility problems, endometriosis is often diagnosed very late and has been far too little studied to date. Many women live with the symptoms of endometriosis for a long time before receiving a definitive diagnosis.

In this article, we answer the question: What exactly is endometriosis? What symptoms does the condition cause, how is it diagnosed, and what treatment options are available? We also explore how massage can help alleviate the symptoms of endometriosis and improve overall well-being.

Recommended Reading: If you’d like to learn more about how massages affect the entire body, read our article “From Head to Toe—Here’s How Massages Help.”

Please note that this post is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have any health concerns, please always consult a healthcare professional and discuss appropriate, individualized treatment options with your doctor first.

More than “one in 10” women are affected—what exactly is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This tissue can appear in a wide variety of locations throughout the body; the ovaries, intestines, and even the bladder are frequently affected. These growths cause inflammation and often lead to pain. During the menstrual cycle, this tissue behaves similarly to the uterine lining. It builds up and sheds—but the blood cannot escape, leading to painful inflammation.

Source: https://www.endometriose-vereinigung.de/was-ist-endometriose/

Endometriosis is often diagnosed very late because the symptoms can easily be mistaken for other conditions or dismissed as typical menstrual cramps. As a result, it frequently goes undetected for far too long and, consequently, remains untreated. Let’s first take a look at the signs that might indicate endometriosis.

Possible Symptoms and Causes of Endometriosis

Just like the areas of the body where the condition can occur, the symptoms of endometriosis are incredibly varied and can differ greatly from one person to another. In some cases, silent endometriosis lesions , in which the disease goes unnoticed because it causes few or no symptoms. For others, however, the symptoms are severe, and they seek treatment options that provide relief.

The most common symptoms of endometriosis are severe abdominal pain during menstruation, pain during sexual intercourse, chronic back pain or even digestive problems. This is because endometriosis tissue can affect the intestines or the bladder.

The only method commonly used to date for diagnosis and treatment is laparoscopy, also known as abdominal endoscopy. We’ll discuss this in more detail in the next section. Unfortunately, there are still many women affected by endometriosis who, despite undergoing laparoscopy or other treatment approaches, continue to suffer from chronic pain . Often, additional pain conditions such as adenomyosis, fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome are often accompanied by endometriosis, which makes everyday life significantly more difficult.

The exact causes of endometriosis are still not fully understood, but experts suspect genetic factors as well as interactions involving the immune system. Hormonal imbalances may also play a role in the disease. Living with endometriosis shows just how varied and diverse the effects can be—and why it’s so important to listen to your own body.

Diagnosing Endometriosis – A Huge Challenge

Diagnosing endometriosis is often a lengthy and frustrating process that drags on for years for many women affected by the condition. On average, it takes 7 to 10 years from the onset of the first symptoms to a definitive diagnosis of endometriosis. This is because the symptoms are often dismissed as “normal” menstrual cramps or mistaken for other conditions. In many cases, women with endometriosis are sent from doctor to doctor for a long time without receiving a clear answer.

Currently, the only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis is through laparoscopy, a minimally invasive abdominal procedure. This procedure not only makes it possible to detect endometriosis tissue but, in many cases, also to remove it immediately to alleviate symptoms. However, it often takes many years to reach this point, which is very stressful for those affected, both emotionally and physically. It is therefore all the more important to remain persistent and to take your own symptoms—which could indicate endometriosis—seriously.

So what specific steps can you take to relieve endometriosis symptoms and make your daily life easier?

Endometriosis Treatment: Here Are the Options

In short, surgery is generally the only way to achieve not only a diagnosis but also lasting relief. The removal of endometriosis tissue via laparoscopy is also the most common form of treatment.

Of the available options, the excision —that is, the complete surgical removal of the tissue—is considered significantly more effective than ablation. Ablation can only remove the tissue superficially, which means that deeply embedded endometriosis lesions often remain, and symptoms persist.

Our Tip: As a general rule, it’s advisable to choose a clinic that specializes in certifiedcertified endometriosis centers . You should also discuss with the doctor performing the laparoscopy which method will be used to remove the endometriosis. If the clinic only uses ablation to treat endometriosis, you should seek a second opinion elsewhere.

In addition to surgery, medication help alleviate symptoms. Hormonal therapies aim to regulate the menstrual cycle and inhibit the growth of endometriotic tissue. Hormonal treatment is often started as soon as endometriosis is suspected, and in many cases it is also used after surgery to prevent the development of new lesions. The downside: These medications often come with side effects, which is why many patients with endometriosis also turn to complementary therapies in the long term.

This includes a targeted dietthat can help reduce inflammation, as well as exercise and physical therapy, which improve blood circulation and relieve pain. Also, herbal medicine (herbal medicine) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have proven effective for many as supportive measures in the treatment of endometriosis. Since chronic pain conditions often take a psychological toll, it can be helpful to seek therapeutic support even when dealing with endometriosis. In addition, there are self-help groups in many places for those affected by endometriosis. 

Recommended Reading: Especially when dealing with chronic pain, it’s helpful to combine different approaches to achieve the best possible treatment outcomes. You can find a deeper look into effective pain management techniques in our article on pain management.

Can massages help with endometriosis?

Chronic or persistent pain often leads to muscle tension. In endometriosis, the back and pelvic muscles are particularly affected. People who have suffered for years from the pain that endometriosis can cause develop tension, especially in these areas, which needs to be addressed. Massages can certainly be used as a supportive measure to provide relief.

Physiotherapy massages, in particular, are recommended for tension caused by endometriosis. These are usually performed by medical professionals and tailored to the individual needs of those affected.

Another method is self-administered abdominal massage, which those affected can perform themselves to promote blood circulation in the abdominal area and relieve tension. These gentle massage techniques help reduce pressure in the pelvis and can alleviate pain when performed regularly.

Massage chairs and other massage devices, such as TENS units, also offer an effective way to relax and relieve pain. Massage chairs simulate various massage techniques that can relieve tension in the back and neck. 

Recommended Reading: To learn more about the wide range of uses for massage chairs in treating medical conditions, check out our article “Are Massage Chairs Medically Beneficial?”.

While massages cannot replace complementary medical treatments for endometriosis, they can be a valuable tool for alleviating symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients suffering from endometriosis.

Treating Endometriosis Symptoms: What Can I Do?

For those affected by endometriosis, life certainly doesn't feel like a Disney movie. It's probably more like the brutal storylines that underlie many of those fairy-tale films.

Endometriosis is a daily challenge for many who live with it, but there are ways to manage your symptoms. From surgical procedures to alternative therapies and massages—a combination of different approaches can often provide the best relief. That’s why it’s so important to listen to your body and make a conscious effort to set aside time for holistic relaxation—you deserve it!

Even a simple abdominal massage or the soothing experience of using a massage chair can help relieve tension and make everyday life just a little bit easier. And if you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms, talk to a healthcare professional and be persistent to ensure that endometriosis doesn’t go untreated.

CoverImage: gpointstudio on Freepik; additional images: Hush Naidoo Jade Photography, Yan Krukau