Can Osteopathy Help Period Pain (Dysmenorrhoea)? – Dr Simone Keddy

Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhoea, affects most women at some point in their lives. For many, symptoms go beyond lower abdominal cramping and can include back pain, pelvic pain, nausea, bowel upset and fatigue. While medications such as anti-inflammatories and hormonal contraceptives are commonly used, they are not suitable or effective for everyone.

A 2024 systematic review published in Cureus explored whether osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) may help women experiencing dysmenorrhoea, either alongside or as an alternative to standard medical care.

What did the research find?

The review analysed 10 studies involving nearly 300 women with primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea. Across these studies, osteopathic treatment was associated with several positive outcomes, including:

· Reduced menstrual and lower back pain

· Shorter duration of pain during the menstrual cycle

· Reduced reliance on pain medication

· Improvements in daily function and quality of life

A variety of osteopathic approaches were used, including myofascial release, gentle joint techniques, sacral and pelvic treatment, and nervous system-focused care. Importantly, side effects were minimal, with short-term soreness being the most commonly reported.

Some studies also suggested osteopathy may influence viscerosomatic reflexes. These are connections between pelvic organs and the nervous system that may contribute to pain, muscle tension and altered movement patterns during menstruation.

What are the limitations?

While the findings are encouraging, the authors were clear that more high-quality research is needed. Limitations included:

· Small sample sizes

· Variation in treatment techniques

· Limited use of standardised pain measures

· Few studies directly comparing osteopathy to medications

The review strongly recommends larger, well-designed randomised controlled trials to help determine which osteopathic approaches are most effective and for whom.

How we support women at Northside Therapies

At Northside Therapies (North Brisbane Osteopathy), our pelvic health trained osteopaths regularly work with women experiencing period pain. Osteopathic care is tailored to the individual and may focus on:

· Pelvic, spinal and hip mobility

· Muscle and fascial tension

· Nervous system regulation

· Postural and lifestyle factors

Treatment does not have to include internal techniques. External approaches alone are often appropriate and effective. Internal assessment or treatment is only offered when clinically indicated, fully explained, and with informed consent.

If period pain is impacting your daily life, osteopathy may be a supportive option worth exploring as part of a broader care plan.

Reference: Bonner, P. E., Paul, H. A., & Mehra, R. S. (2024). Osteopathic manipulative treatment in dysmenorrhea: A systematic review. Cureus, 16(1), e52794. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.52794