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Heather Jeffcoat at Healthline
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Abdominal Wall Endometriosis
Photo by Kyle Broad on Unsplash
Healthline author Gabrielle Kassel was asked to look into abdominal wall endometriosis, and she reached out to me for more info on this all too common issue that plagues many women. Here is a brief synopsis of the article with a link to the full article below.

Heather Jeffcoat

Healthline Asks Heather Jeffcoat About Abdominal Wall Endometriosis

What is abdominal wall endometriosis?

In a recent interview with Healthline, I mention that Endometriosis is a condition that can develop in the fallopian tubes or ovaries. Though in some occasions the uterine-like cells grow outside the uterus and into other parts of the body. This condition can sometimes occur in rare forms, including a form consisting of cell growth along or within the abdominal wall known as abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE).

What are symptoms of abdominal wall endometriosis?

While some individuals with AWE may not experience any symptoms at all, those that do exhibit common signs that include abdominal swelling, tenderness, or bruising, pelvic pain (especially during menstruation), and the presence of a noticeable lump in the abdomen. As I mentioned during the interview,  “Due to the scar tissue that can develop when you have abdominal wall endometriosis, many people also feel restrictions in movement with certain positions, such as trunk rotation or extension.”

What causes abdominal wall endometriosis?

The exact cause of AWE remains unclear, but a study  published in 2022 points to a commonality with individuals who have a history of gynecological or obstetrical surgeries, particularly cesarean sections. Some theories suggest that endometrial tissue may be inadvertently implanted during abdominal surgeries or that menstrual blood may flow backward through the fallopian tubes, leading to the condition.

How is abdominal wall endometriosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis of abdominal wall endometriosis often involves a laparoscopic surgical biopsy, which I consider the gold standard. Though the surgery is considered minimally invasive, there has been a push for clinicians to consider alternative diagnostic methods, such as symptom tracking and various imaging technologies like ultrasounds, MRIs, and CT scans.

What treatment options are there?

While there is no cure for endometriosis yet, there is still hope as there are several treatment options available. Full excision surgery, involving the removal of affected tissues and surrounding areas, is typically the most effective for pain reduction. “But while excision surgery is a critical intervention, pain is complex, and at the point where the pain has become chronic, there’s rarely a single intervention that reverses an individual’s pain,” which I state in the interview.

The management of chronic pain may require a multifaceted approach that includes working with a team of  healthcare professionals like the pelvic floor therapists that practice at Femina Physical Therapy, acupuncturists, chronic pain specialists, and nutritionists. Medications, like hormonal contraceptives and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can also be implemented in the treatment plan.

What are the complications of AWE?

Abdominal wall endometriosis can lead to painful menstruation, adhesions, and skin changes. It may also be associated with infertility, although more research is needed to determine the extent of its impact on fertility.

Final thoughts for those living with AWE:

Despite the challenges, individuals with abdominal wall endometriosis can find relief from symptoms and continue to lead fulfilling lives with appropriate care and support. If you suspect that you may have symptoms related to abdominal wall endometriosis, consult with one of our practitioners at Femina Physical Therapy today for a specialized treatment plan. 

For more on abdominal wall endometriosis continue to the full Healthline article here.

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I have been going to see Heather for a while now, and I can't tell you enough how much she has improved my quality of life. Heather specializes in issues like pelvic floor, but I see her for other orthopedic issues.

I have a lot of chronic joint pain and dysfunction issues (back, hips, neck) that require that have ongoing physical therapy maintenance. The effects of my problem joints/areas overlap and interconnect with each other in complex ways, so helping me requires really having a complete understanding of the entire skeletal and muscular system. Pain does not always appear where the problem actually is, the human body is a twisty, many-layered puzzle. I have an exercise program I do at home and I am very functional, but there are just something things I need a PT to help me out with.

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Testimonial by Ann V.

I wish i could give this place 10 stars!! 
I have been suffering from vaginismus for 5 years and never found the cure to it. I had seen an ob/gyn and he diagnosed me with vaginismus and told me i needed a surgery to cure my condition, which i refused to do. He also referred me to a PT that he works with, i had given them multiple calls and they never responded back to me, so i started searching yelp for another PT. I am SO HAPPY I found Heather's office! I was working with Laureen, and with her guidance and techniques i was able to be cured from vaginismus in only 2 1/2 short months!!! I couldn't believe how quickly their program worked for me! I am forever grateful and thankful from Heather, and Laureen! They are the absolute best at what they do!

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Testimonial by Fritzette H.

I went to Heather after the birth of my third child. It was lucky, really, that I was referred to her, because my doctor had referred me to a surgeon for a possible hysterectomy or pelvic wall rebuild. Thankfully, I went to Heather before undergoing either surgery, she was able to fix the problem. She has studied extensively in women's health--even written a book about it--and was able to diagnose my problem, suggest a course of treatment (6 weeks), and then follow through with said treatment. By the end, as she said, I was as good as gold. Boy, was it worth it! Though uncomfortable to talk about, much less write about, it is worth getting the word out there. If you have painful intercourse, especially after birth or other trauma, the treatment may be as simple as Physical Therapy (with Heather, of course). I highly recommend her.

-- Fritzette H., 3/24/16 via Yelp!

Testimonial by Jackie W.

I was in multiple car accidents a decade ago, and I have been to many physical therapists through the years without success. They found the root of my lower back pain problems and after nearly a decade of barely being able to walk I finally can again without pain. They are also the best pelvic floor pts and the only ones who found the connection between my pelvic floor and lower back problems. If you need help with physical pain, they are your answer.

-- Jackie W., 1/19/17 via Yelp!

Testimonial by A.W., age 32

I wanted to let you know that my pelvic floor held strong and gave me no trouble whatsoever in my trail race this morning (12 miles)! In a way, I felt like I ran better than ever because my core feels so rock solid from all the exercises you have me doing. That was especially valuable on the technical downhill - I just flew down the trail because I had confidence in my balance and form. Thank you for helping me get back to doing what I love.

-- A.W., age 32
(completed Post-partum Renewal Program using the InTone biofeedback/stim unit)

Testimonial by S.P., Age 26

I would like to start off by thanking Heather Jeffcoat for educating me and curing me of Vaginismus. I had been married for almost three years before I was referred to Heather. I never knew about Vaginismus until almost three years into my marriage. I knew something was wrong when I went on my honeymoon and came back a Virgin. I had always imagined how magical my first night would be but boy was I wrong.

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