PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTION FOR TREATMENT OF PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTION FOR TREATMENT OF PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Author: G.Thilagavathi, BPT, MIAP.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), also known as premenstrual tension (PMT) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It is a term used to describe some of the physical & emotional changes which occurs before the period. These changes can occur a few days to more than a week before the beginning of the period & usually resolves when the period starts.

PMS is very common because of the diverse life style which paves the way for this syndrome. PMS causes physical & emotional changes, which can be changed by appropriate Physiotherapy.

Symptoms of this syndrome are-
ü Headache,
ü Migraine,
ü Sleeplessness,
ü Tiredness,
ü Difficulty in concentrating,
ü Decreased efficiency,
ü Tension anxiety,
ü Mood swing (depression, irritability,& anger),
ü Food carving,
ü A bloated feeling in the abdomen.

Some women suffer many of these symptoms some only a few. In some women the symptoms are mainly physical and in others emotional symptom are the most prominent.

These symptoms will reduce the working stamina in both working place & in the home & this will alter the working environment Thus it can be reduced by
ü Exercise therapy
ü Diet
ü Nutritional supplement

EXERCISE THERAPY;
Women who exercise regularly report fewer headaches, less period pain. Studies have shown that regular exercise that increases your heart rate is beneficial for premenstrual symptoms. Exercise should be enjoyable and helpful
Lot of exercises useful for the syndrome.
ü Aerobics exercise
ü Yoga
ü Swimming
ü Cycling
ü Walking
ü Dancing

DIET
A balanced diet supplies vitamins & minerals necessary for good health. Heavy periods can lead to iron deficiency and result in anemia or excessive tiredness, so diet should iron rich food (liver, meat, sea food, dried fruits, wholegrain cereals, egg yolk &dried peas, beans & lentils).
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Calcium supplement have been shown to be effective in PMS

CONCLUSION
In addition to Aerobic exercises and Yoga which relaxes the body and mind, Exercise programme, Diet and Nutritional supplement should also be used to reduce the
Symptoms.
There are many more problems like this, we physiotherapist should be aware.