Endometriosis Awareness Month: Why 'Listening to Your Body' Isn’t Always the Best Advice
For those of us living with endometriosis, pain management can feel like a never-ending puzzle. The advice to "listen to your body" sounds well-meaning, but when you're experiencing the debilitating pain and fatigue that come with endo, sometimes it's just not enough. In fact, this approach can sometimes do more harm than good.
In this post, we’ll explore why “listening to your body” might not always be the best advice for endometriosis sufferers and, more importantly, what strategies you can adopt to manage your pain more effectively. Our goal is to share real solutions, based on research and experience, to help you feel empowered, informed, and in control.
Why ‘Listening to Your Body’ Can Be Misleading
Endometriosis is a complex and unpredictable condition, with flare-ups that can vary in intensity and duration. The idea that we should “listen to our bodies” is often rooted in the assumption that our bodies will naturally guide us to what they need. But for those with endo, pain can cloud judgment and lead to actions that ultimately worsen the situation.
The truth is, when endometriosis flares up, the pain can be so overwhelming that it impairs our ability to think clearly. On a flare day, your body might be telling you to rest, but that doesn’t always equate to recovery. In fact, resting too much can lead to muscle stiffness, worsening fatigue, and a sense of being trapped in a cycle of pain and inactivity.
The Importance of a Balanced Approach
So, if listening to your body isn't always the answer, what is? The key is finding a balance between rest and movement, guided by evidence-based strategies and expert advice. Here's where the power of professional support—especially from a women’s health or pelvic health physiotherapist—becomes clear.
The right type of exercise and movement can help to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and improve long-term function. For endo sufferers, targeted physical activity can be more beneficial than lying in bed all day, despite how tempting that may feel.
Why Exercise Physiology Can Be a Game-Changer for Endo Pain
Exercise physiology isn’t just about working up a sweat—it's about understanding how your body moves and how to modify your movements to reduce pain, improve circulation, and strengthen your muscles. For those with endometriosis, this can be a powerful tool in pain management.
When you experience pain, your body’s natural response is often to protect itself by reducing movement, which can lead to further complications like muscle tightness, pelvic floor dysfunction, and increased discomfort. A trained exercise physiologist can help you understand how to move in ways that support your body, even during flare-ups. This tailored approach helps to manage pain more effectively, as opposed to simply “listening” to what your body might be telling you in the moment.
Practical Tips for Moving with Endo
While rest has its place, it’s important to incorporate gentle, structured movement into your routine. Here are a few strategies to keep in mind:
Gentle Stretching: Gentle yoga or stretching sessions, focusing on pelvic floor relaxation, can help alleviate muscle tension around the pelvis and lower back. This can often reduce the intensity of a flare without aggravating symptoms.
Walking or Low-Impact Activities: Moderate, low-impact exercise like walking can improve circulation and reduce inflammation without putting excessive strain on your body. Keep your walks at a pace that feels comfortable—there's no need to push yourself too hard.
Strengthening Exercises: Building strength in the core, pelvic floor, and back can help manage pain and improve overall stability. These exercises should be tailored to your specific needs, and a professional can guide you to ensure you're performing them correctly and safely.
Breathing Techniques: In times of pain, we often hold our breath or take shallow breaths. Practicing deep breathing can help activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which reduces pain sensitivity and helps with relaxation. Incorporating breathing exercises throughout the day can help keep the pain at bay.
Supporting Your Body with the Right Rest
Rest is still crucial for managing endometriosis, but the key is making it active rest. Simply lying down and hoping the pain goes away won’t help in the long term. Instead, aim for periods of active recovery—whether that’s through guided breathwork, meditation, or gentle movement. Active rest supports both physical and mental healing.
Listening to your body doesn’t mean surrendering to the pain—it means understanding when and how to move, when to rest, and when to seek expert help. An experienced pelvic health physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can help you make those decisions based on your body’s unique needs.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you're finding it difficult to manage your pain or if your flare-ups are impacting your daily life, it's time to reach out for professional support. At Ivoryrose Physiotherapy, we specialize in pelvic health and pain management for endometriosis. Our experienced team can work with you to develop a tailored plan that incorporates exercise physiology, pelvic floor therapy, and other evidence-based treatments to manage pain and improve your quality of life.
Remember: you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. By combining the right amount of rest, movement, and professional guidance, you can regain control of your health and take steps toward a life with less pain.
The Next Step
If you're ready to explore how exercise physiology or pelvic health physiotherapy can support your journey with endometriosis, get in touch with us. We're here to help you manage your symptoms and build a plan that works for you. Reach out today for more information or to book an appointment with our wonderful team!