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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.

What Our Patients Have to Say

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Testimonial by R.M., Age 40

I can’t speak highly enough of the theapists at Femina Physical Therapy and how much they have helped me grow, discover, and love my body. I had had painful sex for my entire life, and didn’t know that there was anything that could be done about it. It was at the point where my husband and I were not having sex for MONTHs, because it was just too frustrating, and I hated feeling like I was the ONLY woman out there who had this problem, especially at my age. I finally brought it up to my doctor because I was turning 40 and my husband and I were barely having enough sex to conceive. And she brought up pelvic floor, PT. I didn’t even know this was a “thing”.

Read more: Testimonial by R.M., Age 40

Testimonial by Carolina J.

I had tried Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy before (with another PT) and I had a really bad (painful) experience. A friend of mine and fellow patient, told me about Heather, Laureen and Femina PT (née Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy) and I decided to try again. I am so happy I did! Femina PT have, literally, changed my life. I was able to do again things I couldn't do for over 10 years!! Their bedside manners are impeccable, their knowledge and understanding make me feel comfortable to recommend this place to anyone in pain. Specially if you have Endometriosis. 100% recommended!!

-- Carolina J., 12/28/16 via Yelp!

Testimonial by Amanda W.

Heather's unique physical therapy program literally changed my life! After years of struggling with vaginismus, a condition that made it impossible for me to have intercourse and very difficult to use tampons without pain, a gynecologist referred me to Heather. I was nervous for my first appointment, but Heather's professional and friendly demeanor put me at ease. She did a great job explaining each technique she was using to help my muscles relax. Heather uses a combination of internal and external stretches and exercises to relax the pelvic floor and build muscle strength. Her specially developed home program helped me quickly recover from an issue that seemed insurmountable before meeting Heather. She was optimistic about my progress and incredibly encouraging. Less than 6 months after my first session, I was able to have pain-free sex for the first time in my life! If you are suffering from vaginismus or any other pelvic floor issues, I highly recommend making an appointment with Heather and reading her book!

-- Amanda W., 2/15/16 via Yelp!

Testimonial by M.N., age 28

A personal journey and testimonial from one of my patients:

I was diagnosed with vaginismus 4 years ago. I never heard of such medical condition until after I got married. At first my husband and I didn't know what to do, we didn't know what the issues were or how to overcome it. Being born and raised in Armenia and being Christian I wasn't that open about talking to sex with others and so it wasn't easy to seek help. But eventually I went to an Ob-Gyn and luckily she knew about the medical condition (not many doctors know). She referred me to a physical therapist and I couldn't believe it and thought it's something I can handle myself. I ordered a kit from vaginismus.com and started practicing with dilators. There was some small progress but wasn't much helpful.

Read more: Testimonial by M.N., age 28

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!

Read more: Testimonial by Ann V.

Testimonial by J.B.

My husband and I were having problems with painful intercourse. My therapist recommended that I go and get a pelvic floor evaluation from a physical therapist. Having never been treated by a physical therapist, I wondered how this really was going to help me. My husband who is a physician was very supportive and agreed that a PT evaluation would be a great idea. So i made the appointment and was blown away by what I learned. I had no idea that pelvic floor muscles could get tight and have trigger points just like any other muscle in the body. I'm a massage therapist and very familiar with tight muscles, and this new thought really amazed me. Heather's program to help relax and strengthen these muscles made such a difference. I can say that I am 100% pain free during intercourse now. Yippee! Going to the PT appointments and doing the at-home exercises was definitely a discipline, but it's 100% worth it! The rewards are amazing.

-- J.B.

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