July is Fibroid Awareness Month – Let’s Talk About It
At Movement Physio & Wellness, we’re dedicated to supporting whole-body pelvic health — and that includes raising awareness of conditions like uterine fibroids, which affect up to 70–80% of women by age 50, often without them even knowing.
What Are Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They vary in size and number, from a single small nodule to multiple large masses that can distort the shape of the uterus. While not all fibroids cause symptoms, many do — and their impact on pelvic health can be significant.
Common Symptoms of Fibroids
Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
Pelvic pressure or pain
Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
Constipation
Pain during intercourse
Lower back pain
Fertility or pregnancy complications
What’s often overlooked is how fibroids may affect pelvic floor function — especially when they grow large enough to press on surrounding organs like the bladder, rectum, or pelvic nerves. That’s where we come in.
The Pelvic Floor Connection
As pelvic floor physical therapists, we work with many women managing fibroids — both pre- and post-treatment. Large or symptomatic fibroids can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction by:
Creating pressure on the bladder and rectum, leading to urgency, leakage, or constipation
Altering posture and muscle tension due to chronic pelvic discomfort
Contributing to pain with intimacy, exercise, or even daily movement
Increasing intra-abdominal pressure, which affects pelvic floor coordination and strength
Pelvic floor PT can help relieve these symptoms by addressing muscle imbalances, improving pelvic organ support, and teaching strategies for bladder and bowel health.
More Than Physical: The Emotional Toll
Living with fibroids isn’t just a physical experience — it can take an emotional toll as well. Many women report feeling frustrated, dismissed, or anxious due to delayed diagnoses, unpredictable symptoms, or the fear of surgery. This emotional strain can affect body image, intimacy, and quality of life.
That’s why we create a safe, supportive space in our clinic — one where you can talk openly, ask questions, and feel heard. Your emotional wellness matters as much as your physical symptoms, and we’re here to support both.
Our Role in Fibroid Care
If you’re living with fibroids — or recovering from surgery like myomectomy or uterine artery embolization — pelvic floor physical therapy can be a valuable part of your care team. We offer:
Gentle core and pelvic floor strengthening
Scar tissue and abdominal massage
Bladder and bowel retraining
Pain management techniques
Support through lifestyle changes and posture alignment
You’re Not Alone
Fibroids are common, but their impact is personal. During Fibroid Awareness Month, we encourage you to talk openly about your symptoms, seek a proper diagnosis, and know your options — both medical and physical therapy-based.
If you or someone you know is struggling with pelvic pain, pressure, or changes in bladder or bowel function, we’re here to help.