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Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea), Dubuque, IA

When your menstrual cycle brings debilitating pain, it affects your entire life. Suddenly you can't move the way you could before, and the discomfort affects your daily life in ways it didn't previously.
When you need painful periods diagnosed and treated, schedule an appointment with Nurtiva. We have the tools you need to treat your menstrual cramps without invasive procedures. You won't even need surgical intervention; we get you back to feeling your best with comprehensive pelvic floor therapy and specialized treatments.
Schedule an appointment with Nurtiva today and get individualized care to help you return to living a pain-free life during menstruation.

What to Know About Periods

All throughout your reproductive years, many women experience monthly cycles that should occur naturally without severe discomfort. However, when menstrual cramps become debilitating, this can be a sign of underlying pelvic floor dysfunction or other health conditions. Painful periods, also known as dysmenorrhea, can cause severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, and symptoms that significantly impact your quality of life.
At Nurtiva, we have the techniques and treatments you need in order to address the root causes of painful menstruation. Our practice facilitates healing through pelvic floor therapy, dry needling, and other specialized approaches. We ensure comprehensive treatment without relying solely on pain medications.
If you're struggling with severe period pain, schedule an appointment with our specialized provider at Nurtiva today.

Common Causes of Painful Periods

Understanding the potential factors that contribute to painful periods can help you prevent them and access effective care. For those already experiencing severe monthly discomfort, it can be helpful to understand the causes in order to identify what may be affecting your body.
Painful periods are often the result of one of a variety of factors:
Age
Younger women and those approaching menopause may experience more intense cramping due to hormonal fluctuations.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Tight or weakened pelvic floor muscles can contribute to increased discomfort during monthly cycles and affect blood flow.
Endometriosis
This condition occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often accompanied by severe cramping.
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Poor posture, lack of exercise, and high stress levels can worsen monthly symptoms and reduce the body's ability to control discomfort naturally.

What are the symptoms of painful periods?

Signs of painful periods can vary in type and severity. Some of the symptoms that benefit from an evaluation at Nurtiva include:
  • Severe menstrual cramps
  • Heavy bleeding during your cycle
  • Abdominal pain that radiates to the back
  • Nausea accompanied by monthly discomfort
  • Fatigue that impacts daily activities
If your pains are related to pelvic floor dysfunction, you may also experience these signs:
  • Pelvic pressure or heaviness
  • Discomfort during pregnancy or postpartum recovery
  • Difficulty with bladder or bowel control
  • Cramping that worsens with certain positions
  • Issues that extend beyond your monthly cycle

What are the Care Options for Painful Periods?

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE TO PATIENTS WITH PAINFUL PERIODS?

Nurtiva offers different types of care, each serving a different purpose. Some of the approaches you may be recommended include:
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Specialized therapy to address muscle dysfunction that contributes to monthly discomfort and helps restore proper function to support healing.
Postpartum Core and Pelvic Rehab
Comprehensive care for women recovering from pregnancy and childbirth-related pelvic floor changes.
Shockwave Therapy
Advanced approach that promotes tissue regeneration and reduces chronic symptoms.
Where Healing Begins with Nurture

Feel Better, Heal Faster

Our hands‒on, compassionate approach is tailored to you. Get the wellness care you need today!
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Frequently Asked Questions

How can pelvic floor therapy help with painful periods?
Pelvic floor therapy addresses muscle tension and dysfunction that can worsen monthly cramping. Our specialized approach helps restore proper muscle function and reduce discomfort naturally.
Do painful periods require a specific diagnosis before care?
While a medical diagnosis can be helpful, our provider will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the best approach for your individual health needs.
Can approaches at Nurtiva help with heavy bleeding during cycles?
Our musculoskeletal care and pelvic floor therapy can help improve circulation and muscle function, which may positively impact bleeding patterns when related to pelvic floor dysfunction.
How do I contact Nurtiva to schedule care for painful periods?
You can easily contact our clinic to schedule an appointment. Our team will help you access the most effective plan for your specific condition.
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