It may seem counterproductive to exercise when you’re in pain, but there is evidence that suggests exercise is an effective pain reliever and may benefit women who have endometriosis.
We’ve put together a list of seven things to know about exercising if you have endometriosis, using information from Endometriosis New Zealand.
Regular exercise can help you manage symptoms.
Regular exercise can help relieve muscle, back and joint pain. It also improves sleep quality and increases energy levels. Aside from helping you manage the symptoms of endometriosis, regular exercise can also help prevent other major health problems like diabetes, stroke, heart disease and some forms of cancer.
Exercise works as a complementary therapy to medication and surgery.
Regular exercise is often recommended to endometriosis patients after surgery, however, you’ll need to speak to a physiotherapist or medical professional who fully understands endometriosis to devise a post-surgery exercise plan.
Done correctly, exercise will not exacerbate symptoms.
So long as you start out slowly and increase gradually over time, there is no reason why exercise should make your symptoms worse. Not all exercise will be suitable for you, so consult a physiotherapist or doctor to help you decide on the right fitness routine.
MORE: How serious is endometriosis?
Exercise improves blood flow.
Exercise will improve blood flow, sending more nutrient-rich blood to painful areas, helping to improve circulation and reduce pain.
Exercise releases endorphins.
Exercising hard enough to elevate your heart rate and make you sweat releases endorphins. Endorphins not only improve your mood and prevent stress and depression but also act as a natural pain reliever.
Exercise lowers estrogen.
Endometriosis is driven by estrogen. Exercising actually lowers estrogen levels in the body, helping to relieve the symptoms of the condition.
MORE: 7 things only women with endometriosis will understand
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