Q KLINIK’s approach to endometriosis
At Q KLINIK Frederiksberg, Østerbro, and Værløse, we see many women living with endometriosis. Our approach to treatment is holistic and includes, for example, manual osteopathic techniques, knowledge about hormonal and inflammatory regulation, and guidance on optimising lifestyle factors. If you have endometriosis and want to explore whether osteopathy and our approach might help you, you are always welcome to book a consultation via the Q KLINIK website or call our phone service. In many cases, the initial consultation allows us to determine whether osteopathic treatment at our clinic is suitable or whether it would be more beneficial to follow our recommendations and guidance.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age and can cause a wide range of symptoms such as pelvic pain, dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), chronic fatigue, pain during bowel movements or urination, and reduced fertility. The disease is associated with persistent inflammation in the abdominal cavity, the development of fibrosis, and changes in the immune system. Despite its high prevalence, it often takes several years to receive a diagnosis, both because the symptoms vary and because women’s pain is frequently trivialised [1].
Pathophysiology and treatment strategies
According to Saunders et al., the pathophysiology of endometriosis is a complex and multifactorial process. It involves hormonal dysregulation, genetic and epigenetic vulnerability, immune responses, and neuroangiogenesis [1]. This means that treatment should also be multifaceted, addressing both physical and systemic mechanisms. Medical treatment usually focuses on lowering oestrogen levels. Still, many women experience side effects or insufficient relief, which leads many to seek complementary, non-pharmacological strategies such as manual therapy, lifestyle changes, and dietary interventions.
Manual therapy and endometriosis
A recent randomised controlled trial – the gold standard in clinical research – investigated the effect of manual therapy in women with pelvic pain related to endometriosis. In this Spanish study, 40 women with endometriosis and pelvic pain were randomised to receive either manual therapy or no intervention. The treatment protocol included manual techniques targeting the abdominal, lumbar, and pelvic regions. Results showed a significant reduction in pain intensity and improved quality of life in the intervention group compared to the control group [2]. This study supports the relevance of manual therapy as part of an integrative approach to endometriosis, which aligns with our clinical approach at Q KLINIK. There are several other studies on manual therapy and endometriosis that suggest benefit, but they often include small sample sizes. This means that the overall evidence is still limited, and methods vary across studies. However, our experience at Q KLINIK suggests that the combination of manual therapy and individualised guidance on lifestyle-related factors, such as exercise, movement, and diet, may alleviate endometriosis symptoms. This brings us to the next section: the role of nutrition.
The role of nutrition in endometriosis
There is increasing interest in the role of nutrition in endometriosis. Several studies suggest that an antiinflammatory diet may reduce symptoms and support overall physiological balance. An extensive Japanese cohort study, the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS), followed over 3,000 women with endometriosis. Researchers found that women who ate predominantly antiinflammatory diets before pregnancy had a significantly lower risk of low birthweight and preterm birth [3]. The study by Kyozuka et al. is a cohort study, which means the women were followed over time. It is not a randomised controlled trial – the gold standard in research – but it provides strong indications that an antiinflammatory diet may be beneficial, particularly in terms of pregnancy outcomes among women with endometriosis. This does not mean that one must be fanatical about food choices, but it suggests that diet is worth focusing on, even if you are not trying to conceive.
Antiinflammatory diet – what does it mean?
An antiinflammatory diet is not about restrictions but rather about making conscious choices and prioritising foods that are fresh, minimally processed, and contain few additives. Buy organic when possible to reduce pesticide exposure and increase the nutrient density of your food. Choose seasonal produce available in Denmark. We prefer a broad approach: instead of following strict recipes, aim to incorporate more beneficial foods into your daily routine. Cookbooks and recipes can be inspiring, but the simple advice to eat more antiinflammatory foods is powerful on its own.
What foods can you eat more of?
- Plenty of vegetables and fruits – preferably seasonal. Right now, strawberries, raspberries, broccoli, and cauliflower are excellent choices.
- Omega-3-rich fish, such as herring, mackerel, and sardines. Sustainable options are best. High-quality canned fish is also a good option!
- Whole grains and legumes – such as oats, rye bread, lentils, and chickpeas.
- White meat – e.g., organic or high-welfare chicken. While chicken is not strictly antiinflammatory, it is a good source of protein.
- Nuts, seeds, and olive oil – a handful of almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds is a great start.
- Minimise ultra-processed foods and products with high sugar content – e.g., soft drinks, sweets, and processed meats like bacon and sausages.
If you do not enjoy fish or seafood, a high-quality omega-3 supplement can be a good alternative. It is important to emphasise that diet does not cure endometriosis, but for many women, it can be an effective supplement to other forms of treatment, such as osteopathy. The small steps matter – and it’s never too late to explore whether other approaches can help alleviate the symptoms of endometriosis. We often see that a combination of minor lifestyle adjustments and osteopathic treatment can make a noticeable difference in everyday life.
Q KLINIK – specialists in osteopathy for babies, children, and women
Book an appointment online at www.qklinik.dk or call our phone service on weekdays between 8 AM and 4 PM: 8888 8258
References:
- Saunders, P.T. and A.W. Horne, Endometriosis: Etiology, pathobiology, and therapeutic prospects. Cell, 2021. 184(11): p. 2807-2824.
- Munoz-Gomez, E., et al., Effectiveness of a manual therapy protocol in women with pelvic pain due to endometriosis: a randomised clinical trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023. 12(9): p. 3310.
- Kyozuka, H., et al., Prepregnancy antiinflammatory diet in pregnant women with endometriosis: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study. Nutrition, 2021. 85: p. 111129.
