Awareness of Physical Therapy in Managing Endometriosis among Obstetrician and Gynecologists

Abstract

Background: Endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory condition where endometrial cells grow outside the uterus, affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. The prevalence is higher among women experiencing infertility or chronic pelvic pain. Research supports physical activity and physical therapy interventions such as manual therapy, pelvic floor strengthening, kinesiotherapy, and electrotherapy as effective in managing endometriosis symptoms.

Objective: To determine the awareness regarding the role of physical therapy in endometriosis among gynecologists.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2023 with 100 obstetricians and gynecologists in Lahore, including 34 PGRs, 13 MOs, 27 Senior Residents, and 26 Associate Professors. Sixty-two participants were from private hospitals, and 38 were from government hospitals. Data was collected using a pre-tested, 22-item self-administered questionnaire, with written consent obtained from participants. Non-probability convenient sampling was applied.

Results: The study showed that most participants (82.0%) agreed on the need for awareness of physical therapy’s effectiveness in managing endometriosis, with 31.0% strongly agreeing, 51.0% agreeing, 10.0% neutral, and a small percentage (8.0%) disagreeing.

Conclusion: Most respondents recognized the role and benefits of physical therapy as a complementary treatment. However, many gynecologists rarely refer patients to physical therapy or collaborate with physical therapists.