Comparison of the Effects of Different Massage Techniques in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea

Comparison of the Effects of Different Massage Techniques in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different massage techniques on pain, primary dysmenorrhea (PD)-related symptoms and functional and emotional influence in women with PD.

Primary dysmenorrhea is defined as painful menstrual cramps without an underlying pelvic pathology or organic problem. Massage, which is one of the physiotherapy methods that reduces pain by acting on the autonomic nervous system and circulation, has an important place in the management of PD among non-pharmacological treatment approaches. In the literature, there are studies on the use of classical massage and connective tissue massage in women with PD for reducing menstrual pain and PD-related symptoms. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has been found comparing classical massage and connective tissue massage in PD management.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Over 18 years of age
• Women with a complaint of primary dysmenorrhea,
• Volunteer women who have a regular menstrual cycle (28 ± 7 days)
• Women who have menstrual pain intensity greater than 40 mm according to the Visual Analogue Scale considering the last 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having gastrointestinal, urogynecological, autoimmune, psychiatric diseases and/or other chronic pain syndromes,
• Those who have given birth,
• Those who have a pregnancy status,
• Those who use intrauterine devices,
• Those who have had pelvic surgery,
• Those who use chronic medications, including oral contraceptives or antidepressants, for at least 6 months before the study,
• Those with a pathological history and radiological findings showing secondary dysmenorrhea