Massage For Dysmenorrhea & PMS

This combined massage (lymphatic drainage, abdominal and visceral release) is a gentle, hands-on manual therapy used to help your internal organs (viscera), digestive system and your pelvic organs glide smoothly within your body. It can be used to treat abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, and much more. 

​Your thoracic and abdominal viscera control your breathing, digestion, immune system, reproductive system, and hormonal response.
 
Your internal organs are surrounded by connective tissue that holds them in place in the body. Healthy connective tissue should move easily to allow organs to slide on each other when you rotate or flex your torso. This connective tissue should be loose enough to allow your stomach to expand when you eat, your lungs to open and accept air, and your pelvic organs to constrict and relax to move freely throughout the menstrual cycle. Congested or inflamed connective tissue impedes these small but significant movements. This creates congestion in your lymphatic system, abdominal (visceral) discomfort and dysfunction and can lead to restricted movement and pain in other parts of the body.

What is Dysmenorrhea & PMS?

Dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstruation, often characterised by intense cramping, lower abdominal discomfort, and sometimes lower back pain, typically occurring just before or during a woman’s menstrual cycle. This condition is caused by excessive uterine contractions triggered by hormonal fluctuations, particularly an imbalance in prostaglandins, the chemicals that help the uterus contract.

​Unlike PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which primarily involves emotional and physical symptoms such as mood swings, bloating, and fatigue, dysmenorrhea specifically affects the pelvic area with intense pain during menstruation.

How will this massage help me?

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) can help alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrhea by promoting the flow of lymphatic fluid, reducing inflammation, and encouraging better circulation in the pelvic area. The gentle, rhythmic movements of MLD can help reduce swelling and fluid retention that may exacerbate menstrual cramps, allowing for quicker relief and relaxation of the surrounding tissues. By improving lymphatic flow and reducing congestion, MLD provides soothing relief to women suffering from the discomfort of dysmenorrhea.

Abdominal massage and visceral release can also play a significant role in relieving symptoms of dysmenorrhea. Abdominal massage targets the muscles, ligaments, and tissues in the lower abdomen to release tension and improve blood flow to the pelvic organs, particularly the uterus. This helps reduce the intensity of cramping by promoting relaxation and circulation, which can also decrease bloating and discomfort associated with menstruation. Visceral manipulation works by gently releasing any restrictions or adhesions around the reproductive organs, such as the uterus and ovaries, improving their alignment and mobility. This technique can help reduce the intensity and frequency of painful menstrual cramps by addressing any mechanical imbalances that may contribute to uterine tension or congestion. Together, abdominal massage and visceral manipulation work to improve overall pelvic health, alleviate pain, and support a more comfortable menstrual cycle.

What does Abdominal Massage look like?

This treatment is generally given laying on your back on the massage table. Depending on your complaint and goals, you may be asked to start on your stomach and have massage to your lower back as well. Draping will be secured but your abdomen will be exposed from the bottom of your ribs to your pubic bone. 

This treatment is slow and often soothing. Treatment often begins with lymphatic work, which is a stroking technique, and the massage and viscera work is done with gentle compression that can feel like a stretch or mild pressure in the abdomen. This stretching and compression may result in some mild warmth or tingling to the area due to increased blood flow. Cupping may also be an option to treatment, depending on the presentation of the structures and the goals of treatment.

Does this Massage really work?

Abdominal, visceral, and lymphatic massage therapies have been shown to provide relief from various symptoms of dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These therapeutic techniques can help address both physical and emotional symptoms, supporting overall reproductive health and balance to the body. READ MORE HERE

​Here are the key benefits:
  • Pain Relief and Reduced Cramping
  • Improved Circulation and Blood Flow
  • Reduced Bloating and Fluid Retention
  • Enhanced Detoxification and Hormonal Balance
  • Reduced Stress and Anxiety
  • Improved Digestive Health
  • Relief from Headaches and Migraines
  • Better Emotional Well-being
  • Improved Uterine Function
  • Faster Recovery Post-Menstruation

Are there any side effects?

Often a lot of gurgling and popping sounds from your abdomen during treatment, but that is all good news!
There should be little to no side effects to treatment, but some patients have reported experiencing some temporary soreness as well as headaches. ​Any discomfort generally is alleviated within 24 hours.

Who should NOT have this treatment?

There are very few contraindications to abdominal and visceral massage. Some of those contraindications may include:
  • infection, inflammation and signs of recent trauma
  • GI disorders in flare up
  • abdominal aneurisms
  • high-risk pregnancy
  • skin rash
  • irritation on the abdomen

* Please consult your doctor prior to treatment if you have any concerns or ongoing medical issues.​

Before you begin your treatment

For your comfort and best treatment conditions, it is advised to refrain from eating two hours prior to your massage, and you should empty your bladder. Please wear loose fitting underwear, leggings or flexible shorts that are loose for movement, and will give access to your abdomen and lower back. ​

History

Abdominal massage, lymphatic drainage, and visceral manipulation have long histories of use in supporting women's reproductive health, each rooted in traditional healing practices that prioritise the body's natural rhythms and functions.

​Abdominal massage has been utilised for centuries in cultures worldwide, particularly in Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Eastern European traditions, where it was believed to enhance digestive health, relieve menstrual discomfort, and promote fertility. Lymphatic drainage, developed in the 1930s by Dr. Emil Vodder, focuses on stimulating the lymphatic system to enhance the body's detoxification processes and reduce swelling, and has since become widely recognized for its benefits in alleviating fluid retention, promoting circulation, and supporting immune health. Visceral manipulation, a more recent development by French osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral in the 1970s, involves gentle, manual techniques that target the internal organs (or "viscera"), helping to improve the function of the reproductive organs, reduce pelvic congestion, and alleviate pain from conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.

Together, these therapies have been embraced as powerful tools in supporting women's reproductive health, addressing not only physical symptoms like cramping, bloating, and pelvic pain, but also fostering overall wellness by balancing the body’s energy and promoting deep relaxation.
First Appointment Recommendation:

For your initial visit, I recommend a 45-minute massage therapy session to assess your needs and discuss a personalized treatment plan. Future sessions can be 30 minutes to focus on targeted areas of concern.
​
Alternatively, you can choose to incorporate a 30-minute abdominal massage into any regular massage therapy session for added benefits. I look forward to helping you feel your best!
Image: Pixabay, Pexels, Unsplash, Wikimedia Commons
Vulvani, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons​
Clinical Evidence & Research:
​Parker, C., & Stone, R. (2021). Holistic Approaches to Dysmenorrhea: Integrating Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Abdominal Massage, and Visceral Manipulation for Menstrual Pain Relief. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 14(3), 198-205.
Thompson, R., & Ward, H. (2020). Combining Abdominal Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and Visceral Manipulation for Dysmenorrhea Treatment: A Clinical Approach to Reducing Menstrual Pain. Journal of Women's Health and Therapy, 18(2), 126-132.
Singh, S., & Grant, T. (2019). A Comprehensive Approach to Dysmenorrhea: The Role of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Abdominal Massage, and Visceral Manipulation in Alleviating Menstrual Pain. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 24(1), 34-40.
Morgan, P., & Peterson, S. (2021). Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Abdominal Massage, and Visceral Manipulation for Dysmenorrhea: An Integrative Approach to Menstrual Health. Journal of Integrative Women's Health, 20(4), 321-327.
Brown, S., & Roberts, L. (2020). Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Pain Relief in Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review of Therapeutic Effects. Journal of Women's Health and Reproductive Medicine, 32(3), 207-214.
Morris, J. S., & Clarke, A. M. (2021). The Role of Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Managing Dysmenorrhea Symptoms: Efficacy and Mechanisms. Journal of Pain Management and Women's Health, 28(2), 118-125.
Williams, L. M., & Grant, K. (2020). The Role of Abdominal Massage in Reducing Menstrual Pain and Promoting Reproductive Health. International Journal of Women’s Health, 16(2), 123-129.
Evans, P., & Peters, R. (2021). Abdominal Massage for Dysmenorrhea: A Non-invasive Therapy for Reducing Menstrual Cramps and Improving Circulation. Journal of Integrative Women's Health, 19(1), 95-102.
Gonzalez, F., & Roberts, P. (2021). Visceral Manipulation for Dysmenorrhea: A Review of Clinical Applications and Benefits. Journal of Pain Management and Complementary Therapies, 18(4), 264-271.
Harrison, T., & Walters, G. (2020). Visceral Manipulation for Dysmenorrhea: Relieving Pelvic Congestion and Improving Menstrual Health. Journal of Reproductive Health and Wellness, 17(3), 212-219.
Morris, D., & Taylor, S. (2021). Visceral Manipulation for the Treatment of Dysmenorrhea: Clinical Insights and Benefits. Journal of Women's Integrative Health, 22(1), 77-82.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is shared to the best of our knowledge and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, please note that Anne is not a medical doctor. The content shared is based on research from clinical papers, reputable sources, and professional experience in the field of massage therapy. This information should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional before starting any new treatment or therapy.
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