Sarah is a NWA native who completed her undergraduate degree at Oklahoma State University in Nutritional Sciences in 2015. She returned to Fayetteville to complete her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at UAMSNW in 2018. She then completed an Orthopedic Residency in 2019 and became an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in 2020. She treats all orthopedic conditions for all ages and also provides treatment for female pelvic floor conditions. Her passion is for pregnant and postpartum women wanting to maintain physical fitness during and after pregnancy/delivery. She is eager to incorporate a holistic approach to helping you become more independent in your healthcare journey. Sarah is blessed by her husband and son and in her spare time you can find them going on hikes and camping trips with their dog, River.
Endometriosis Awareness Month: Listening to Our Bodies and Supporting Each Other
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Endometriosis is a chronic illness where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, often causing severe pain, inflammation, fatigue, and sometimes infertility. It is estimated that 1 in 10 women have endometriosis.
For many people living with endometriosis, getting a diagnosis can take years – the average is between 7-10 years. Because of this, awareness and advocacy are incredibly important. The more we talk about endometriosis, the easier it becomes for people to recognize symptoms, seek medical help, and feel validated in their experiences.
Common Signs/Symptoms of Endometriosis: 
- Painful periods
- Pelvic pain
- Pain with intercourse or bowel movements
- Digestive issues
- Extreme fatigue
- Infertility
- Menstrual dysfunction
Many of these symptoms are brushed off as “normal” because they are typically experienced around your period, but these symptoms can be experienced outside of your period.
I think I might have Endometriosis. How do I get diagnosed?
If you suspect you have endometriosis, it is important to continue advocating for yourself. Unfortunately, about 60% of physicians don’t feel confident diagnosing endometriosis. It is important that you seek care from someone who specializes in endo. At the time of writing this blog, there is only one way to definitively diagnose endometriosis: laparoscopic surgery. This is a moderately invasive procedure done in a hospital where they place small instruments/cameras in small incisions throughout the abdomen. The surgeon can assess the abdominal and pelvic organs for evidence of endometriosis lesions.
There is a difference between ablation surgery and excision surgery for the treatment of endometriosis. Ablation burns away endo lesions whereas excision cuts out lesions. The recurrence rate after ablation is up to 67%. The recurrence rate after excision is closer to 10%. If you are considering surgery for suspected endometriosis, it is crucial that you ask your surgeon which type of surgery they are trained in performing.
Care for patients with endometriosis should consist of a team of health care providers: OB-GYN, surgeon, dietitian/nutritionist, mental health counselor, pelvic health Physical Therapist, etc. If you or someone you know struggles with painful periods or ongoing pelvic pain, know that you are not alone—and that your pain is valid. Awareness leads to understanding, and understanding leads to better care and support for everyone affected by endometriosis.
Pelvic physical therapy can be a powerful part of managing endometriosis by reducing pelvic pain and improving mobility and quality of life. All of our clinics at Rise are staffed with pelvic health Doctors of Physical Therapy who are ready to join you in your journey of getting the care you need! Schedule now to set up an evaluation and get a treatment plan designed just for you. Fun fact: you don’t even need a doctor’s referral. 🙂
Endometriosis Resources
Endometriosis Association
Take the endometriosis symptom survey.
RRM Academy
Symptom self-assessment developed by Dr. Dr. Naomi Whittaker, OB-GYN. Dr. Whittaker’s Instagram is also a great resource!
