How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help with Period Pain

Dealing with period pain every month? Cramps, aching, burning, and even spasms can make that time of the month miserable. But did you know that pelvic floor physical therapy (PT) can actually help? Let’s talk about why period pain happens and how a pelvic floor PT can make a difference.

Understanding Period Pain

Not all period pain is the same! There are 2 main types – let’s break it down: 

Primary Dysmenorrhea

This type of pain is thought to be caused by hormonal changes—specifically, the release of prostaglandins. These chemicals trigger uterine contractions, helping the body shed the uterine lining. As a result, you may experience cramping, aching, burning, spasms, or pressure in areas such as:

- Lower abdomen

- Lower back

- Hips

- Pelvic floor

- Thighs

Secondary Dysmenorrhea

This type of pain is linked to an underlying condition. A few examples include:

- Endometriosis – when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus

- Adenomyosis – when the uterine lining grows into the muscle of the uterus

- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – a hormonal disorder that can lead to irregular cycles and pain

- Fibroids – non cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pain and heavy bleeding

If your period pain feels extra intense or isn’t helped by typical pain relief methods, an underlying condition could be the cause.

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help

Pelvic floor dysfunction can intensify period pain or, in some cases, be the primary source of discomfort. The pelvic floor muscles, along with the muscles in the lower back, hips, and abdomen, play a significant role in managing pain and movement in the pelvic region. If these muscles are tight, weak, or imbalanced, they can contribute to pain during your cycle.

Pelvic Floor PT Treatment Approaches

A pelvic floor physical therapist can help address both primary and secondary period pain through:

- Manual Therapy – Hands-on techniques to release muscle tension and improve blood flow in the pelvic region

- Musculoskeletal Assessment & Treatment – Addressing dysfunction in the lower back, hips, and pelvis that may be contributing to pain

- Education & Exercise – Strategies to help relax the pelvic floor and reduce pain over time

Other Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction During Your Period

If you experience the following symptoms during your period, this is another sign your pelvic floor muscles may be involved:

- Pain with tampon insertion 

- Feeling like your body pushes out a tampon 

Seeking Help

You don’t have to just push through the pain every month! If period pain is interfering with your daily life, we’re here to help. A personalized treatment plan can make a big difference in managing your symptoms and helping you feel more comfortable during your cycle.

Reach out to us—we’d love to chat and see how we can support you!