Women’s Health Month: Managing Endometriosis

Managing Endometriosis

March is Women’s Health Month, a time to focus on conditions like endometriosis that affect millions of women. At The Care Collective, we see the profound impact this chronic illness has. There are an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age enduring its symptoms, from pelvic pain to fatigue and emotional strain. While endometriosis has no cure, managing it effectively can improve quality of life. This month, we’re sharing strategies that blend our unique offerings, like abdominal therapy, with practical steps to support you through this challenging condition.

Understanding Endometriosis

Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic area. This tissue reacts to hormonal changes, causing inflammation, scar tissue, and pain that can disrupt daily routines. The World Health Organization estimates it affects 190 million women globally, yet many wait years for a diagnosis due to symptoms like painful periods or chronic discomfort being dismissed. At The Care Collective, we’re here to offer relief and recognition.

Abdominal Therapy: A Targeted Solution

Our abdominal therapy is a distinctive, hands-on approach to ease endometriosis symptoms. This gentle technique involves external manipulation of the abdomen and pelvis to enhance circulation, soften adhesions, and reduce tension in affected tissues. Rooted in traditional healing practices, it aims to align reproductive and digestive organs, potentially alleviating pain and bloating. While research is still developing, a 2018 study in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies suggests manual therapies can improve symptoms by enhancing tissue mobility. At The Care Collective, clients have found this service offers a unique path to comfort.

Move and Melt Stress With Massage Therapy

Physical activity boosts endorphins, a natural counter to SAD, according to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. But when motivation is low, our massage therapy offers a perfect bridge. Beyond relaxation, it increases serotonin and reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), helping your body reset. Whether it’s a deep tissue session to release winter tension or a gentle stretch session to work out winter stiffness, our skilled therapists tailor each experience to your needs. Pair it with a sauna session before and after, and you’ve got an incredible advantage for the week ahead.

Massage Therapy for Tension Relief

Chronic pain from endometriosis often tightens muscles throughout the body, amplifying discomfort. Our massage therapy provides a way to address this. Research indicates massage can lower pain perception and reduce stress hormones like cortisol, which may worsen symptoms. At The Care Collective, we tailor each session, whether deep tissue for stubborn knots or a lighter touch for relaxation, to help you release physical and emotional strain, offering a moment of respite.

Medical-Grade Red Light Therapy to Soothe Inflammation

Inflammation drives much of endometriosis’s pain, and our medical-grade red light therapy targets it directly. Using specific wavelengths, this treatment penetrates tissue to reduce swelling and boost cellular repair. A 2018 study in the Journal of Photobiomodulation found it can decrease pain in chronic conditions by calming inflamed areas. A Red Light Therapy session at The Care Collective delivers a warm, non-invasive way to dull pelvic discomfort, supporting your body’s natural healing process.

Sauna for Warmth and Recovery

Heat can ease the stiffness and soreness tied to endometriosis, and our traditional sauna offers a deep, penetrating warmth. A 2020 review in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine noted sauna use improved pain and fatigue in chronic conditions by enhancing circulation. At The Care Collective, we offer 120 minute sessions that provide a quiet space to unwind and support recovery.

A Commitment to Women's Health

Women’s Health Month is a call to address conditions like endometriosis with care and attention. At The Care Collective, we’re here to help with abdominal therapy, massage therapy, medical-grade red light therapy, and infrared sauna sessions... all tools to manage your symptoms and reclaim your strength. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Reach out! We’re here to support you on your health journey.