Efficacy of Physiotherapy Treatment in Primary Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea, a menstrual disorder characterized by painful uterine cramps during menstruation, stands as one of the leading causes of pelvic pain. While its prevalence is highest among individuals aged 16 to 25, the true extent of the condition is often underestimated, as many women perceive pain as a normal part of their menstrual cycle and refrain from seeking medical assistance, despite the distress it inflicts. To sdiscover potential treatment options, a group of Spanish authors conducted a systematic review, encompassing nine articles, with a primary focus on treatment type, symptom relief, session frequency, and treatment duration.
The findings of the review demonstrated the remarkable efficacy of physiotherapy as a treatment for dysmenorrhea. In addition to physiotherapy, other solutions explored included electrotherapy, manual therapy, acupressure, kinesio tape, progressive relaxation exercises, and therapeutic exercise. The evidence strongly suggests that physiotherapy can significantly reduce the intensity of menstrual pain, providing clinically meaningful outcomes. Considering the broader health benefits of physiotherapy and the minimal risk of side effects reported, women may consider incorporating it into their management strategies for menstrual pain. It can be used alone or in combination with other therapeutic modalities, presenting a promising approach to alleviate the burden of dysmenorrhea.