Physiotherapy Intervention for Primary Dysmenorrhea - A Narrative Review

Abstract

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) refers to painful cramps before and/or during menstruation. There are two types of Dysmenorrhea: Primary and secondary. Different approaches to the treatment of Primary dysmenorrhea are applied to manage the symptoms of dysmenorrhea. Purpose: the aim of this study was to find out the most effective physiotherapy treatment for primary dysmenorrhea. Methods: scientific literature relevant to physiotherapy for dysmenorrhea published in India between September 2014- august 2021 through popular databases such as google scholar, PubMed, Pedro was searched. Total Eleven articles met the objectives and criteria and they were reviewed main outcome measures of study was pain intensity and was measured mainly through VAS (visual analogue scale) and NPRS (Numerical pain rating scale). Apart from pain intensity, other outcome measures such as core strength, flexibility and quality of life also have been recorded. Isometric exercises, core strengthening exercises, aerobic exercises including chair exercises, stretching exercises, moist pack and TENS are different physiotherapy approaches to the treatment of Primary dysmenorrhea. Conclusion: The current review suggests that physiotherapy specially core strengthening exercises and various stretching exercises help to provide a clinically significant reduction in menstrual pain intensity and also helps to increase core muscles strength and flexibility. Keywords: Isometric exercises, Core strengthening exercises, Aerobic exercises including chair exercises, Stretching exercises, Moist pack and TENS.