A client has chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath . . . on a mysteriously regular cycle. Testing shows masses in her lungs, but cancer is ruled out. The most likely situation here is thoracic endometriosis.

What is endometriosis, how did this client get it in her lungs, and—most importantly—can massage help with her signs or symptoms?

Sponsors: 

Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com  

Host Bio:        

Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more information about her is available at www.ruthwerner.com.   

Recent Articles by Ruth:       

“Working with Invisible Pain,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, November/December 2022, page 36, http://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1481961-november-december-2022/38

“Unpacking the Long Haul,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, January/February 2022, page 35, www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1439667-january-february-2022/36.

“Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Massage Therapy,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, September/October 2021, page 33, http://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1402696-september-october-2021/34. 

“Pharmacology Basics for Massage Therapists,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, July/August 2021, page 32, www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1384577-july-august-2021/34.   

Resources: 

Pocket Pathology: https://www.abmp.com/abmp-pocket-pathology-app

Huang, H. et al. (2013) ‘Endometriosis of the lung: report of a case and literature review’, European Journal of Medical Research, 18(1), p. 13. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/2047-783X-18-13.

Nezhat, C. et al. (2012) ‘Bilateral Thoracic Endometriosis Affecting the Lung and Diaphragm’, JSLS : Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, 16(1), pp. 140–142. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4293/108680812X13291597716384.

Sarma, D. et al. (2004) ‘Cerebellar Endometriosis’, American Journal of Roentgenology, 182(6), pp. 1543–1546. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.182.6.1821543.

Thoracic endometriosis: Symptoms, causes, treatment, and more (2022). Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/thoracic-endometriosis (Accessed: 1 February 2023).

Ep 315 – Endometriosis where?: “I Have a Client Who . . .” Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner

The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession