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

Abstract

Background: The study aimed to assess if manual therapy, compared to ibuprofen, impacts the concentration of inflammatory factors, sex hormones, and dysmenorrhea in young women Methods: Thirty-five women, clinically diagnosed with dysmenorrhea, were included in the study. They were divided into group A—manual therapy (n = 20) and group B—ibuprofen therapy (n = 15). Inflammatory factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), C-reactive protein (CRP), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), E2 (PGE2) and sex hormones levels were measured. Dysmenorrhea assessed with the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), myofascial trigger points, and muscle flexibility were examined before and after the interventions. Results: The difference in the level of 17-β-estradiol after manual and ibuprofen therapy was significant, as compared to baseline (p = 0.036). Progesterone levels decreased in group A (p = 0.002) and B (p = 0.028). The level of CRP was negatively correlated with sex hormones. Decrease in dysmenorrhea was significant in both groups (group A p = 0.016, group B p = 0.028). Non-significant differences were reported in prostaglandins, VEGF and CRP levels, in both groups. Conclusions: There were no significant differences in CRP, prostaglandins and VEGF factors after manual or ibuprofen therapy. It has been shown that both manual therapy and ibuprofen can decrease progesterone levels. Manual therapy had a similar effect on the severity of dysmenorrhea as ibuprofen, but after manual therapy, unlike after ibuprofen, less muscles with dysfunction were detected in patients with primary dysmenorrhea.

The Influence of a Single Instrument-Assisted Manual Therapy (IAMT) for the Lower Back on the Structural and Functional Properties of the Dorsal Myofascial Chain in Female Soccer Players: A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial

“…Herein, athletes were randomised into three even groups (1:1:1) via an urn (adaptive biased coin) design, using printed cards in closed envelopes indicating group allocation [ 37 , 38 , 39 ]. The intervention group (IG) received a standardised IAMT.…”

The Effect of Static Cupping Therapy in Non-specific Low Back Pain for Primary Dysmenorrhea

“…But clinical studies have shown a physiological rationale for dysmenorrhea that is directly linked to elevated levels of endometrial and menstrual fluid prostaglandins (PGs). The first two days of menstruation are when PG levels are at their peak, causing significant abdominal pain and discomfort that extends to the lower back and thighs and interferes with everyday activities [7].…”

Comparative effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for primary dysmenorrhea: A protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis

“…2 12 The side effects of these drugs and the nature of the periodic recurrence of menstrual cramps indicate that women are more willing to seek non-pharmacological methods to manage PD. 13 Currently, a range of non-drug interventions are available for the treatment of PD, including acupuncture (e.g., manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture, auriculotherapy) 14 ; transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation 15 ; acupressure 16 ; aromatherapy 17 ; physical activities (e.g., aerobic exercise, resistance training, balance training, stretching) 18 ; physiotherapy (e.g., thermotherapy, electrotherapy, kinesio tape) 19 ; psychological intervention (e.g., biofeedback, relaxation, hypnotherapy, imagery) 20 ; nutritional and dietary supplements (e.g., vitamin, fennel, zinc, ginger) 21 ; and manual therapy (e.g., massage, tuina, manipulation techniques) 22 . Clinical practice guidelines have recommended some of these non-pharmacological interventions for pain relief in PD, 23 and systematic reviews based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have also confirmed that several non-drug therapies can effectively relieve menstrual pain and improve the quality of life (QoL) and emotional well-being in women with PD.…”