During their menstrual cycles, many women experience a great deal of pain and discomfort. The muscle contractions, which stimulate the shedding of the endometrium, are created by the very powerful uterus (this organ is, afterall, responsible for generating enough force to birth a baby). Often, these contractions can be very painful, and are what we commonly refer to as “menstrual cramps.” Pain associated with menstruation occurs not only in the abdomen, it can also be experienced as lower back discomfort. At Delos Therapy, we use our innovative technique to help alleviate these symptoms. By applying direct pressure into the tissue, we can potentially decrease the severity of uterine contractions, as well as change overall pliabilty of the fascia, which can result in a less painful menstrual cycle.
Many studies, including one in The Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, have shown that applying pressure to the abdomen and lower back, as well as the sacrum, could possibly help to alleviate the severity of uterine spasms and muscle tension. It has also been shown that manual soft tissue therapy may help to reduce cervical adhesions, which, if left untreated, could diminish the body’s ability to easily expel blood and mucus from the uterus. In short, it has been shown that, in patients with dysmenorrhea (as a result of endometriosis), the application of sustained and deliberate pressure to the affected areas is a simple, nonaggressive, and safe method that carries little risk and virtually no negative side effects. The study demonstrates significant decreases in levels of pain associated with menstrual cramps immediately after intervention, as well as sustained relief for up to six weeks after treatment.
More recently, some very interesting research (number 6) done by Carla Stecco has been presented through the Fascia Research Society. In her studies, she looks at the origin of myofascial pain during pregnancy and menstrual phases, in relation to the production levels of estrogen and relaxin. Specifically, she studies the variation in the production of type I and type III collagen, and the resulting effects on the fascial nociceptors (pain receptors). It is important to note that within the fascia, there are receptors for estrogen and relaxin. During the periovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle, as well as during pregnancy, there is an increase in estrogen and relaxin, and a decrease in type I collagen. Type I collagen is responsible for creating strong, stiff, large bundles of fascia which are used for the transmission of force. Conversely, type III collagen is used like a network, to create fascia that is more elastic, and less “strong.” With an increase in estrogen, there is an increase in the production of type III collagen, as well as fibrillin.
This makes sense, because during ovulation, as well as pregnancy, the body is preparing to permit an adaptation to a change in volume, during which time the fascia would need to be more elastic. While the increase in estrogen, and therefore, type III collagen, is helpful for adaptation because it creates more elasticity within the fascia, it has the converse result on stability. This decrease in stability influences joints, including every aspect of the spine, and the resulting loss of support could explain the increase in lower back pain. It should also be noted that during this time, the increase in fibrillin produces an increased sensitization (ability to perceive pain) within the fascia. So then, the increases in estrogen and fibrillin are also likely responsible for an increase in the level of pain that is perceived.
What does all of this mean? The findings indicate that if your fascia is healthy and pliable, the hormonal changes during menstruation are less likely to increase your levels of pain. However, if your fascia is already rigid, even these small levels of hormonal influx can really trigger the nociceptors within the fascia. This creates a high level of susceptibility to pain.
- Alleviating Menstrual Pain With Delos Therapy - May 4, 2020
- Delos Therapy – Hot and Cold Therapy - October 21, 2019
- Therapy Spotlight: What Is Myofascial Release? - September 24, 2019