Many women experience menstrual symptoms every month: severe abdominal cramps, an irregular cycle, extreme fatigue, or pain that radiates to the lower back. These symptoms are often considered to be “normal,” but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with them. Osteopathy can be a valuable addition to your treatment plan, as it focuses on the mobility and balance of the pelvis, lower back, and abdominal organs.
What causes these symptoms?
Pain and irregularities related to menstruation can have various causes. Hormonal fluctuations play a major role, but the mechanical mobility of the pelvis and pelvic organs also has an impact. Scar tissue from surgery, misalignment of the pelvis, tension in the pelvic floor area, or reduced blood flow to the uterus can all contribute to painful or irregular periods. A sedentary lifestyle can also negatively affect blood flow and mobility in the pelvic region. In addition, stress and an imbalance in the nervous system can exacerbate these symptoms, as persistent tension leads to increased muscle tone around the pelvis.
How can osteopathy help?
The osteopath examines whether there are any restrictions of movement in the pelvis, lower back, pelvic floor area, or abdominal organs that contribute to or perpetuate the symptoms. The diaphragm is also often included in the examination, as restricted breathing can affect blood flow and pressure relationships in the abdominal and pelvic cavities. Gentle mobilization techniques are used to improve the mobility of these structures and promote blood flow. This can contribute to a better balance in the endocrine and nervous systems, which in turn can lead to less pain, a more regular menstrual cycle, and fewer tension-related symptoms associated with menstruation.
Osteopathy does not focus on suppressing symptoms, but on identifying and treating the underlying cause. For example, limited mobility of the pelvis following childbirth, a fall, or prolonged sitting can contribute to menstrual symptoms, even if this connection may not seem obvious at first glance. Old scars, such as those from a cesarean section or an appendectomy, can also cause unnoticed tension in the pelvic area for years.
What kinds of health issues can you seek treatment for?
At Sander Sprong Osteopathy, you can seek treatment for the following menstrual symptoms, among others:
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
- An irregular cycle
- Severe blood loss
- Back pain or pelvic pain around the time of menstruation
- Fatigue and irritability in the days leading up to menstruation (PMS)
- Symptoms After Stopping Hormonal Birth Control
It is important to emphasize that an osteopath does not make medical diagnoses and does not treat gynecological conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids as such. If you have persistent or severe symptoms, it is always wise to consult your primary care physician or gynecologist as well. Osteopathy can, however, play a supportive role alongside medical care, focusing on improving mobility and reducing tension in the body.
What can you expect at a consultation?
A consultation begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, your menstrual cycle, and your medical history. Previous surgeries or childbirths are also discussed. Sander Sprong then assesses whether there are any restrictions of movement in the pelvis, lower back, diaphragm, or abdominal organs. Based on these findings, a personalized treatment plan is developed, using gentle techniques tailored to your body and your specific situation. The number of treatments required varies from person to person and depends on the duration and severity of your menstrual symptoms.
Why choose Sander Sprong Osteopathy?
Sander Sprong has extensive experience treating a wide range of conditions in adults, with a particular focus on the interaction between the pelvis, the back, and the abdominal organs. By looking not only at the complaint itself but at the body as a whole, the goal is to address the root cause of menstrual symptoms rather than simply alleviating the symptoms. This approach aims for lasting improvement rather than temporary pain relief.
Do you have any questions or would you like to schedule an appointment? Please contact Sander Sprong Osteopathy, or schedule an appointment directly in the online calendar.
