Physical therapy offers an effective alternative to over-the-counter pills
Do you dread starting your period each month because your cramps are so painful? Has your daughter missed multiple days of school because of period pain? Don’t worry: menstrual cramps are one of the most common gynecological problems affecting young women, and Beyond Therapy and Wellness in Bedford is here to help!
When most people think of period pain relief, they picture a bottle of aspirin and a bar of chocolate. However, physical therapy offers a multitude of treatment options for primary dysmenorrhea–the medical term for run-of-the-mill period cramps.
Painful menstrual cramps affect up to 90% of adolescents and young women, and they’re the primary reason why young women miss school or work. Despite their prevalence, many women suffer in silence. At Beyond Therapy and Wellness in Bedford, we want to see that change. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about how physical therapy can help with menstrual cramps.
Understanding menstrual cramps
Menstrual cramps are a normal part of the menstrual cycle early on in a woman’s life. They’re characterized by sharp, shooting pain in the lower abdomen, although pain can also spread to the thighs or lower back. Typically, they begin a few hours before the onset of menstrual flow and peak when the flow is at its heaviest. Other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fatigue, can accompany cramps.
However, it’s important to understand the difference between primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. If you’re experiencing painful menstrual cramps over the age of 25, after a long history of painless menstruation, or as part of an irregular period flow, the cramps are likely caused by a specific gynecological condition that will need its own treatment (although physical therapy can still provide pain relief).
However, for women under 25, painful periods likely aren’t caused by any abnormality. But even when cramps are normal, they still interfere with young women’s quality of life. At Beyond Therapy and Wellness, we offer several treatment options to minimize period pain.
How physical therapy can provide period pain relief
Most women treat period pain with over-the-counter pain pills or contraceptives. However, at Beyond Therapy and Wellness, we offer several drug-free pain-relieving modalities that can be used alone or in conjunction with pharmaceutical treatments.
Depending on you or your daughter’s specific needs, we might suggest one or more of the following:
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): This treatment involves sending high-frequency electrical pulses to the affected area. It might sound scary, but TENS is safe and effective in treating period pain. Best of all, it can be self-administered once you’ve been educated on its use!
- Kinesio taping: This treatment involves the use of therapeutic tape. When applied to the skin of the lower abdomen, Kinesio taping increases blood flow and helps relieve the pressure on the pelvic area.
- Exercise: Gentle exercise is an effective means of treating period pain. Yoga, aerobic exercise such as walking or jogging, and stretching are all great ways to combat menstrual cramps. Exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor, such as Kegels, can also help.
- Thermotherapy: If you’ve ever self-treated cramps with a heating pad, you used a form of thermotherapy. Our physical therapists can suggest additional heat therapies that might provide even more relief.
- Massage therapy: Gently massaging the lower abdomen can help reduce pain.
What to expect at your appointment
At Beyond Therapy and Wellness in Bedford, we’re experienced in treating women’s pelvic concerns, and we strive to make our patients feel as comfortable as possible, especially when treating young women.
At the initial appointment, we’ll talk with you about symptoms, take a health history, and perform a simple physical examination. Our exam will focus on period pain–it will not be a full gynecological assessment.
From there, one of our specialists will work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your specific needs and concerns. Most likely, the plan will consist of different modalities as we work to determine which treatment approaches will bring the most pain relief.
Schedule an appointment with Beyond Therapy and Wellness today!
There’s no reason to suffer needlessly from menstrual cramps. If your period pain is causing you or your daughter to miss work or school or interfering with day-to-day life, reach out to Beyond Therapy and Wellness in Bedford today. Together, we’ll find a treatment plan that works!
