When the pain linked to endometriosis manifests itself, the desire to play sports is not felt. However, according to Dr Antoine Desvergée, hospital practitioner in the physical medicine and rehabilitation department of Caen University Hospital, practicing physical activity adapted to your menstrual cycle allows you to reconcile with your body and relieve your ailments.
- In women suffering from endometriosis, “physical activity improves neuropathic pain, digestive and anxiodepressive disorders and sleep”, according to Dr Antoine Desvergée.
- When the latter is adapted to the patient, to her sensations, to her menstrual cycle and regular, it also promotes well-being and makes treatments more effective while reducing their side effects.
- In case of pain, the doctor advises stretching and flexibility. Outside of periods of crisis, he recommends doing a sport “that provides maximum pleasure.”
Heavy bleeding, nausea, intense fatigue, digestive problems, pelvic and lower back pain… In women with endometriosis, this pain is sometimes violent, which prevents them from moving. However, they are recommended to do sports. According to Dr Antoine Desvergée, hospital practitioner in the physical medicine and rehabilitation department of Caen University Hospital, patients benefit, like any women, from the positive effects of physical activity on their health. “In the case of endometriosis, appropriate physical activity is not harmful, on the contrary, it improves neuropathic pain, digestive and anxiodepressive disorders. It will also have a positive impact on sleep, fatigue, promote well-being -be and make treatments more effective while reducing their side effects. All these benefits have been scientifically proven!”
Physical activity helps patients “know how their body, which is mistreated through cycles, functions”
According to the healthcare professional, physical activity is supportive care. “The latter will not make it possible to put an end to this gynecological disease. On the other hand, the fact of getting moving allows you to reclaim your body. For example, among adolescent girls, this helps them to know how their body, which is mistreated through cycles, functions and how to learn to live with it. The objective of the exercise is also to rediscover what we can do and how far we can go. This is important, because it allows us to find his self-confidence and to be in harmony with his body which makes us suffer.”
To be beneficial, the physical activity chosen must not increase or trigger pain. Indeed, it must be adapted to the person suffering from endometriosis, their sensations and their menstrual cycle. In addition, its practice must be regular. “There are no specific physical activities to turn to in case of endometriosis, because they almost all have a positive impact, the key words remain pleasure and the well-being felt!”
Endometriosis: “The goal is to have a routine in order to move every day and not remain inactive”
Outside of painful periods, Dr Antoine Desvergée advises practicing moderate to intense physical activity, such as yoga, Pilates, Nordic walking or even cross fit. “This sport, which provides maximum pleasure, must mobilize all the limbs, particularly the pelvis where pain occurs. But be careful, certain movements should not be performed. This is the case with crunches which can cause pain. at the level of the stomach. According to the recommendations, one should exercise five times a week to achieve 150 minutes of physical activity. However, in the context of endometriosis, the goal is to have a routine in order to move every day and don’t stay inactive. Regularity is essential!” In the event of crises, the practitioner recommends doing “gentle” activities, such as stretching and relaxation, which promote relaxation.
Ask for help from an APA worker or a physiotherapist
If you return to physical activity, the doctor recommends taking it slowly but surely. “It is also better to turn to Adapted Physical Activity (APA) speakers or physiotherapists, who will understand and not minimize the pain, unlike a sports coach who does not know endometriosis. The fact of feeling supervised and listened to is important, especially when women have not been during the identification and treatment of the disease. Thanks to this support, they will be able to set goals and achieve them.” If women need answers to their questions, they can contact or go to the Maisons Sport-Santé (MSS) who know the protocols in place for endometriosis.