Primary dysmenorrhea is defined as painful menstrual cramps without an underlying pelvic pathology or organic problem. Massage, which is one of the physiotherapy methods that reduces pain by acting on the autonomic nervous system and circulation, has an important place in the management of PD among non-pharmacological treatment approaches. In the literature, there are studies on the use of classical massage and connective tissue massage in women with PD for reducing menstrual pain and PD-related symptoms. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has been found comparing classical massage and connective tissue massage in PD management.
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different massage techniques on pain, primary dysmenorrhea (PD)-related symptoms and functional and emotional influence in women with PD.