Effects of Connective Tissue Massage and Music-Based Muscle Relaxation on Pain and Menstrual Symptoms in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea

What this Trial Is About

This clinical trial investigates the effects of Connective Tissue Massage CTM and music-based Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training PMRT on women aged 18 to 30 years who have primary dysmenorrhea, a condition causing menstrual pain. The study evaluates changes in pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, pain-related symptoms, use of pain medication, and emotional and functional impact of dysmenorrhea. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups CTM, PMRT, or control without intervention. Participants in the CTM group will receive massage therapy focused on specific body regions including the sacrolumbar and pelvic areas, with sessions lasting 10-15 minutes, five days per week during the premenstrual intervention window from ovulation until the first day of menstruation in one menstrual cycle. The PMRT group will learn muscle relaxation techniques with face-to-face instruction followed by guided sessions using approved audio recordings, lasting 20-30 minutes with the same schedule. The control group will not receive any intervention during the study but will be asked to avoid other complementary therapies that could reduce menstrual pain. Throughout the study, assessments will take place during menstrual days 1-2 across three cycles baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. Researchers will measure pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, menstrual symptoms, attitudes, functional and emotional effects, analgesic use, and pressure pain threshold. Participant satisfaction and adherence to the interventions will also be evaluated. The total study duration is approximately two menstrual cycles following the intervention period.

Connective Tissue Massage and Music-Based Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Primary Dysmenorrhea