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Period pain, or primary dysmenorrhea, can be a source of intense physical and emotional discomfort for many menstruators. While some menstruators experience mild cramps, others suffer from severe pain and backaches. Fortunately, there are numerous treatments available that can help alleviate the discomfort associated with period pain. Not everything works for everyone though, so it is worth trying different things until you find something that works for you. Heat therapy is one such treatment that has been proven to be effective in relieving the pain and discomfort caused by period cramps.
What is heat therapy?
Heat therapy, also known as thermotherapy, is the application of heat to a specific area of the body to reduce pain and inflammation. Thermotherapy increases the temperature of the surrounding tissue which results in increased blood flow which delivers oxygen and other nutrients to the area helping it heal.
Heat therapy can be applied in various ways, ranging from hot water bottles and heating pads to warm baths and infrared radiation (heat). Heat therapy is known to be both safe and effective in relieving period pain, as it works by increasing blood flow to the affected area, helping to relax muscles and reduce inflammation.
How can heat therapy help with period pain?
Heat therapy is beneficial in relieving period pain because it works by increasing blood flow to the abdominal area. This increased blood flow helps to relax the muscles in the area, which in turn reduces the pain and discomfort associated with period cramps. Heat therapy also reduces inflammation and muscle tension, which reduce the intensity of period pain too. Heat therapy can help reduce stress levels and increase general level of comfort.
What are the benefits of heat therapy?
Heat therapy is a safe and effective method of relieving period pain. It is also relatively inexpensive and can be done easily at home. Additionally, heat therapy can be combined with other treatments, such as a massage, yoga, exercise, tea and taking medications to further reduce the intensity of period pain. Heat therapy can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a positive effect on overall health and wellbeing.
Tips for using heat therapy
When using heat therapy to relieve period pain, it is important to ensure that the heat source is not too hot. It is also important to make sure that the heat source is not applied directly to the skin. Some kinds of heat therapy are at higher risk of burns and injuries than others - for example hot water bottles contribute to a lot of burns each year - so we recommend to stay away from them.
Conclusion
Heat therapy is a safe and effective treatment for relieving period pain. At The Period Pain Co, we advocate for this and even sell a period heat pad ourselves called 'Invisiwarm' ('Invisible' and 'Warmth').