An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Ibuprofen and Manual Therapy in Young Women with Dysmenorrhea—A Pilot Study

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of manual therapy and the use of ibuprofen on the severity of dysmenorrhea and changes in the level of sex hormones in young women with dysmenorrhea. Material and methods: The study included six women, aged 22 ± 2 years, with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). A physiotherapist examined the tenderness and flexibility of the muscles. The patients were subjected to a gynecological and physiotherapeutic examination; the concentrations of progesterone and 17-beta-estradiol were also determined. In subgroup A (n = 3), manual therapy was performed 3 × 45 min; in subgroup B (n = 3), the patients received ibuprofen 3 × 400 mg/day. Results: In subgroup A, all patients showed a decrease in the level of progesterone and an increase in the concentration of estradiol. In subgroup B, the concentration of progesterone and 17-beta estradiol decreased in two subjects. In subgroup A, manual therapy reduced the severity of headache, back pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and PMS. In subgroup B, the use of ibuprofen only alleviated back pain and fatigue. Moreover, in subgroup A, after the application of manual therapy, improvement in flexibility and pain relief of the examined muscles was demonstrated. On the other hand, in subgroup B, no improvement in flexibility or reduction in muscle soreness was found in patients who took ibuprofen. Conclusions: Manual therapy may reduce menstrual pain in women with dysmenorrhea. However, the results need to be confirmed in studies conducted on a larger group of patients with dysmenorrhea.

Effect of Manual Therapy Compared to Ibuprofen on Primary Dysmenorrhea in Young Women—Concentration Assessment of C-Reactive Protein, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Prostaglandins and Sex Hormones

“…A similar effect was not observed with ibuprofen use. The improvement of muscle condition demonstrated in this manuscript, proves the results of our previous pilot study [ 23 ]. In the available literature, no other studies have analyzed the use of post-isometric relaxation techniques and the therapy of tender points for women with dysmenorrhea.…”

“…The physiotherapy evaluation was conducted twice for every patient, before intervention (manual or ibuprofen therapy), and the second time after treatment. The physiotherapy evaluation process was described in detail in our previous paper [ 23 ]. All physiotherapy evaluations were performer by the same physiotherapist, who was involved in the manual therapy.…”

“…NSAIDs have been shown to be more effective than placebo in relieving symptoms of dysmenorrhea but significantly more likely to cause side effects [ 7 , 22 ]. In addition to pharmacotherapy, another treatment modality is physiotherapy, such as manual therapy [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Manual therapy is a safe method of treatment, used to treat various conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders and visceral problems [ 24 , 28 , 29 , 30 ].…”

“…Manual therapy is a safe method of treatment, used to treat various conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders and visceral problems [ 24 , 28 , 29 , 30 ]. Our preliminary research results indicated that manual therapy might effectively relieve pain in young women with dysmenorrhea [ 23 ]. However, biological mechanisms activated by manual therapy in dysmenorrhea have not yet been clearly described, as is the case for the effects of manual therapy on inflammatory factors and hormones.…”

Favourable Changes in C-Peptide, C-Reactive Protein and Lipid Profile, and Improved Quality of Life in Patients with Abnormal Body Mass Index after the Use of Manual Lymphatic Drainage: A Case Series with Three-Month Follow-Up

“…Previous studies, including the research conducted by our team, prove the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic methods in the treatment of menstrual ailments [51]. In turn, other researchers have proved the effectiveness of including the lymphatic techniques in supporting the treatment of infertility [32].…”