Heating pads, also known as thermotherapy, ease pain by increasing circulation and relaxing cramped muscles. Look for a pad with safety features like timers and temperature control.
A heating pad is a simple, easy-to-use way to combat period pain. Here are some of the best options on the market.
1. Thermotherapy
One of the most basic treatments for period cramps is heat therapy. The heat relaxes the muscles, helps reduce tension, and increases blood flow to soothe the pain. It’s a tried-and-true method that women have been using for generations. This treatment can also help ease symptoms like bloating and mood changes that can often occur with menstruation.
There are several different types of heating pads available, including electric models and reusable cloth versions. It’s important to choose a pad that suits your needs and is safe for use with your symptoms. For example, if you have sensitive skin, look for a non-electric heating pad that’s made of cotton or other natural materials. It’s also wise to avoid overusing a heating pad as it can backfire and make your cramps worse. Aim to use it for short periods of time on a lower setting. If you’re unsure which type of heating pad is right for you, read reviews to get an idea of what other users have experienced.
The simplest heating pads are water bottles wrapped in soft, decorative covers. Simply fill the bottle with hot water and slip on the cover to apply it to the area where you’re experiencing discomfort. Then relax, put on some music or a movie, and let the heat work its magic.
Another option is a reusable cloth heating pad that’s filled with rice and relaxing lavender. This pad is microwaveable and can be heated and cooled to suit your comfort level. It’s designed in a cute kidney bean shape, and it comes with an adjustable strap for easy placement. The reviews say that this pad holds its heat well and is easy to clean.
If you’re looking for a portable option, check out this model from Rael. It has a rechargeable battery and a digital display so you know when it’s ready to use. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but reviewers say that it provides hours of targeted warmth. Plus, it’s small enough to pack in your bag and take with you on the go.
2. Hot Water
Whether it’s for back pain, sore muscles or cramping, heat therapy is an effective and affordable treatment. It relieves pain by increasing blood flow to the affected area and loosening stiff muscles. You can find heating pads in many forms including pillows, wraps and pads. Some feature moist heat while others provide dry heat. It’s important to check the pad’s wattage to ensure it provides sufficient heat for you.
A heating pad for menstrual cramps is an easy way to help ease lower abdominal and back pain that may accompany the monthly period. It works by easing muscle tension in the uterus, pelvic and abdomen muscles and reducing the associated muscle spasms. In addition, it reduces swelling in the legs and feet, as well as bloating and nausea associated with periods.
You can place a heat pad on your stomach or back, although it’s best to avoid placing it directly on the skin to prevent burns. It’s also important to limit your use of the device to no more than 20 minutes in order to prevent a condition known as rebound, which occurs when the blood vessels constrict, stopping oxygen from reaching the cramping area and increasing pain.
Heat is a natural remedy that can be used to soothe cramps caused by the buildup of prostaglandins, which causes uterine muscle contractions to expel your uterus lining. In addition to heat therapy, you can also try taking an NSAID, such as ibuprofen, to reduce your pain.
If you want to add some extra pain relief, try drinking a cup of hot tea that’s packed with nutrients such as Ashwagandha, Beetroot and Schizandra Berries. It will boost energy levels and make you feel energised, helping to fight the period blues.
Before microwaveable heating pads and stick-on menstrual pain patches came along, hot water bottles were the MVPs in heat therapy. This one from Rael comes in a fun animal shape that’s bound to bring a smile. It’s also a little less expensive than other options and has a long cord, making it easy to get some much-needed comfort while sitting on the couch.
3. Essential Oils
Using natural substances like essential oils can help combat pain and discomfort during your period. There are plenty of recipes for homemade essential oil blends online, but if you’re looking for something easier to use or store, try the Gal Pal Essential Oil Roll-On. The pre-diluted formula makes it easy to apply the EO directly to your abdomen or lower back, where you may be feeling the most pain. The blend includes Vitex, which is a powerful pain reliever with an anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic effect. It also has a cooling and soothing aroma.
Lavender essential oil is another pain reliever, and its aroma is thought to reduce anxiety during PMS. This oil soothes the prostaglandins that mediate pain and uterine contractions. It is also known to reduce nausea.
Peppermint is a natural pain reliever that’s especially effective for cramps. The oil has an antispasmodic effect on smooth muscles, which helps reduce the frequency and severity of menstrual cramping. Wintergreen oil has a similar pain-relieving effect on muscles, and it can be used to treat headaches, nervous pains, arthritis, and ovarian pain.
Some studies have found that using eucalyptus, peppermint, and wintergreen oil together can have a powerful impact on reducing pain during periods. You can also add these essential oils to a warm bath for added pain relief.
A heating pad is a go-to treatment for cramps, but you can also use heat therapy to ease other period symptoms. Hot water can boost blood circulation, which can relax cramped muscles. You can also try a warm compress or an ice pack to ease pain and discomfort.
This mains-powered heating pad comes with a 9-foot power cord and has an ergonomic design that’s easy to grip and comfortable to hold. It has an overwhelming number of 5-star reviews and can be placed on the back or abdomen for immediate pain relief. It also has a vibration feature, which is great for those who suffer from lower back pain. It’s important to remember that any heating pad should only be used for 20 minutes at a time, and you should always avoid exposing sensitive skin to heat for too long.
4. Massage
Whether it’s during that time of the month or after a hard workout, a good old-fashioned heating pad can be a lifesaver for those days when menstrual cramps get out of hand. Heat therapy is incredibly helpful for period cramps because it increases circulation, which in turn relaxes the muscles around your uterus. The key is to apply the heat to your lower abdomen, as this is where most women experience their pain.
While a good old-fashioned water bottle or simple heating pad can help relieve pain, there are also a variety of electric options available that offer more features, including vibrating massage. This evoPad from Rael, for example, offers soothing botanicals such as rosehip, lemon balm, and jasmine that are infused into its pad for added comfort. And since it’s designed to be worn, you can enjoy its therapeutic benefits no matter where you go.
Another option is to use a shiatsu massage pad like this one from Zenith. It has an overwhelming number of five-star reviews, and is a great choice for those who are looking to add an extra element of relief to their menstrual cramps. The shiatsu massage technique involves a series of circular pressure applied to the abdomen and back to reduce pain and tension. And since it comes with a rechargeable battery, you can take it on the go and enjoy its relaxing benefits whenever the mood strikes.
Aside from being an effective treatment for cramps, a good massage is also beneficial for your emotional and psychological health. This is because it releases oxytocin, a feel-good hormone that is associated with feelings of love and comfort. This helps to improve your mood and alleviate symptoms of stress, which can exacerbate your periods cramping.
Regardless of which method you choose to use to alleviate your period cramps, it’s important to remember that not all forms of pain relief work the same for everyone. And so it’s worth trying out a few different treatments before you find the one that works best for you. Whether you opt for a more traditional hot water bottle or a specialized heating pad, we’ve found the best ones that will make those uncomfortable days of the month a little less painful.