Painful Periods: Finding Relief Through Pelvic Physical Therapy

Overview

Experiencing painful periods isn't just an inconvenience – it's a significant health concern that affects up to 90% of menstruating individuals. For many, this pain goes beyond mild discomfort, with one in five people reporting pain severe enough to disrupt their daily lives, work, and relationships. While society often normalizes period pain, at Mendwell Pelvic Health, we firmly believe that severe menstrual pain isn't something you should have to "just live with."

Our specialized pelvic health physical therapists bring extensive experience in treating menstrual pain through evidence-based approaches. We understand that each person's experience with period pain is unique, and we're committed to providing individualized care that addresses both the physical symptoms and their impact on your quality of life. Whether you're dealing with primary dysmenorrhea or pain related to conditions like endometriosis, our comprehensive approach can help you find relief and regain control of your life.

The impact of painful periods extends far beyond just physical discomfort. Research shows that untreated menstrual pain can lead to chronic pain patterns, affect mental health, and create significant economic burden through lost workdays and decreased productivity. The good news is that with proper care and management, most people can experience significant improvement in their symptoms.

Symptoms

Menstrual pain manifests differently for each person, but understanding the range of symptoms can help you recognize when to seek professional help. Beyond the commonly known cramping, painful periods often present as a constellation of symptoms that can affect your entire body:

Primary Physical Symptoms:

• Deep, throbbing pain in the lower abdomen that may radiate to the lower back and thighs
• Intense cramping that begins before or during menstruation
• Muscle tension throughout the pelvic region
• Sharp or stabbing pains that worsen with movement

Whole-Body Impact:

• Digestive changes including nausea, bloating, or altered bowel habits
• Fatigue and energy depletion that affects daily activities
• Headaches or migraines that coincide with your cycle
• Sleep disruption due to pain or discomfort

Emotional and Social Effects:

• Increased anxiety or mood changes during menstruation
• Social withdrawal during painful episodes
• Difficulty concentrating at work or school
• Reduced participation in regular activities and exercise

Causes

Understanding the root causes of painful periods helps inform effective treatment approaches. Menstrual pain typically falls into two categories:

Primary Dysmenorrhea
This type of period pain begins with your first menstrual cycles and is related to natural processes in your body. The main drivers include:

• Elevated levels of prostaglandins causing uterine contractions
• Heightened nervous system sensitivity to pain signals
• Muscle tension patterns in the pelvic floor and surrounding areas
• Genetic predisposition to experiencing more intense menstrual pain

Secondary Dysmenorrhea
This form develops later and is often associated with underlying conditions:

• Endometriosis or adenomyosis
• Uterine fibroids or polyps
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Structural changes in the pelvic region
• Previous pelvic surgery or trauma

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help

At Mendwell Pelvic Health, we take a comprehensive approach to treating painful periods that goes beyond just addressing the symptoms. Our evidence-based treatment methods are designed to:

1. Release Muscle Tension: We use specialized manual therapy techniques to address tension in the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles that can contribute to menstrual pain. This includes gentle external and internal techniques when appropriate and comfortable for the patient.
2. Improve Blood Flow: Through targeted exercises and movement strategies, we help enhance circulation to the pelvic region, which can reduce pain and cramping intensity.
3. Optimize Body Mechanics: We teach you how posture and movement patterns affect your symptoms and provide specific strategies for pain relief during your menstrual cycle.
4. Develop Self-Management Skills: Our therapists empower you with practical techniques you can use at home to manage pain and prevent symptom escalation.

Your treatment journey at Mendwell begins with a thorough evaluation to understand your specific symptoms, pain patterns, and goals. Based on this assessment, we create a personalized treatment plan that may include:

• Targeted manual therapy techniques
• Movement analysis and correction
• Breathing exercises for pain management
• Lifestyle modifications that support menstrual health
• Exercise programming adjusted to your cycle
• Stress reduction strategies
• Education about pain science and management

We pride ourselves on creating a comfortable, supportive environment where you can openly discuss your concerns and actively participate in your treatment planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to miss work or school because of period pain?
‍While common, severe pain that interferes with daily activities isn't normal and deserves proper medical attention. We can help you develop strategies to manage pain and maintain your regular activities.

How many sessions of physical therapy will I need?
‍Treatment duration varies, but most patients see improvement within 6-8 sessions. We'll establish clear treatment goals and regularly assess your progress to ensure effective care.

Will I need to have internal examinations as part of treatment?
‍Internal examination and treatment are only performed when clinically appropriate and with your explicit consent. Many effective treatment techniques are entirely external.

Can I receive treatment during my period?
‍Yes! Treatment during menstruation can be particularly helpful for immediate symptom relief, and we can modify techniques based on your comfort level.

Can physical therapy help with period pain even if I have endometriosis?
‍Yes, physical therapy can be an effective component of managing endometriosis-related pain, working alongside other medical treatments to improve quality of life.