Period Pain

Flow Recovery helps with Period Pain
signs, symptoms & remedies

period pain

Many people experience pain alongside their period. The medical term for this pain is dysmenorrhea, which is split into either primary or secondary types. Primary dysmenorrhea is the usual pain that comes just before or during a period, not caused by any health condition, whereas secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by an underlying problem, such as endometriosis. The pain can be felt as anything from dull achy cramps to intense sharp pains.

During a period, muscles in the wall of the womb contract more to help the lining shed. These contractions compress blood vessels, temporarily cutting off the blood and oxygen supply to your womb. Without oxygen, the tissues in the womb release chemicals that cause pain.

Flow Recovery helps with Period Pain
WHAT TO DO

Rest and relax - It is recommended for adults to sleep for 7-8 hours each night. Warm baths or showers can also help you to relax and even relieve some pain.

Heat - Applying heat to your lower back or stomach can help to ease your pain and reduce painful muscle spasms.

Massage - Light, circular massage around your lower back and stomach can help to relieve tension and pain.

Relaxation - Relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation and stretching may help to distract you from feelings of pain and discomfort.

Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulation (TENS) - TENS machines are small devices that deliver a small electrical current to where you apply the pads (such as your stomach or lower back) to reduce pain.

Exercise - Although you may not feel like exercising during your period, some gentle activities such as walking, stretching or yoga, can help to relieve pain as it releases natural pain relief called endorphins into the body.

Flow Recovery helps with Period Pain
WHAT TO AVOID

Stop smoking, as this is thought to increase the chance of experiencing period pain.

Skipping meals or drinking not enough water. Eating lots of foods with high sugar and salt content can also contribute to problems like discomfort and bloating.

Avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine, as studies have suggested this can contribute to more intense period pain.

USING FLOW NANO

Heat therapy with the Nano can be used to relieve cramps, without the hassle of refilling hot water bottles or single use heating pads. Gently glide the heated plate over the lower back, abdomen and stomach at your preferred temperature level.

You can also use your Nano to massage around your abdomen, which can reduce pain and help you relax.

HOW DOES IT HELP?

Heat therapy can increase blood flow, reduce muscle spasms and cramping, and ultimately soothe period pain. Applying heat to your abdomen, lower back or stomach with the Nano activates temperature-sensitive nerve endings called thermoreceptors, which then send signals that block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Also, increased blood flow at the site of pain facilitates healing and pain relief through the delivery of more oxygen and nutrients, and removal of pain-inducing mediators.

Learn more about Heat Therapy

Massage therapy also helps to increase blood flow and reduce tension. Gentle circular massage with the Nano around the lower abdomen can help to relieve tension and pain, relax cramping muscles, as well as helping you yourself relax during menstruation.

Learn more about Massage Therapy

COMMON CAUSES OF PERIOD PAIN

Typical period pain (primary dysmenorrhea) is caused by cramping tissues. Underlying health problems can also cause this pain (secondary dysmenorrhea), such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease.

A type of contraceptive device called an intrauterine device (IUD) can occasionally cause period pain, especially in the first few months after being fitted.

Seek advice from your GP if you have severe period pain and/ or your normal pattern for experiencing period changes such as lasting longer, becoming more usual or irregular.

Your symptoms get worse all of a sudden

Your temperature is higher than normal (37.4°C)

You develop shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

You have a chronic lung disease & the cold/flu/covid is not improving

If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health matters for further information or medical advice, please speak to your GP or a Pharmacist.