Mercier Therapy for Painful Periods: How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Relieve Cramps, Bloating, and Back Pain

by Bethany Peterson

Pelvic floor physical therapy, including Mercier Therapy, can address the root causes of painful periods—not just mask the symptoms.

 

Why Period Pain Isn’t “Normal”

If your period regularly comes with cramping, back pain, bloating, or the kind of discomfort that sidelines you from your life, please know this: painful periods are common, but they are not “just part of being a woman.”

Many people are told to manage period pain with heating pads, pain medications, or simply pushing through. While these may bring temporary relief, they don’t address the underlying reasons your cycle feels so disruptive. That’s where pelvic floor physical therapy can help.

 

Woman in bed bending over due to intense period pain

 

Why Your Period Hurts So Much

Period pain can stem from several physical factors in the pelvis. At Well+Core, we often see clients with:

  • Pelvic congestion – Poor blood flow in the pelvic organs can create heaviness and cramping.

  • Muscle tension – Tight pelvic floor, hip, and abdominal muscles can make your uterus work harder.

  • Scar tissue or adhesions – Surgery, endometriosis, infections, or injuries may restrict movement.

  • Poor organ mobility – Your uterus, ovaries, and surrounding tissues aren’t gliding as they should.

When pelvic tissues are restricted, the uterus must contract more strongly to shed its lining. This often means more cramping, inflammation, and discomfort.

 

Mercier Therapy: A Game-Changer for Painful Periods

One of the techniques we use at Well+Core is Mercier Therapy, a hands-on treatment that mobilizes the pelvic organs and surrounding tissues.

Although Mercier Therapy is best known as a fertility treatment, its benefits go far beyond helping people conceive. By improving movement, circulation, and balance within the pelvis, Mercier Therapy can be life-changing for those struggling with monthly pain.

Benefits of Mercier Therapy for painful periods may include:

  • Improved blood flow to the uterus and ovaries

  • Release of scar tissue and adhesions that cause pain

  • Restored organ mobility and tissue movement

  • Reduced inflammation and congestion

  • Less bloating, fewer cramps, and improved pelvic comfort

Many of our clients notice improvements after just a few sessions. While we do offer a 6-week Mercier Therapy program for infertility, treatment for period pain or other pelvic concerns can often be integrated into your regular pelvic floor PT visits.

Learn more here: Mercier Therapy for Painful Period Cramps, Endometriosis, Lower Back Pain Relief, and More

 

Black woman laying face down receiving cupping treatment to increase circulation and reduce sluggish tissues

 

Other Pelvic Floor PT Strategies for Period Pain

Mercier Therapy is just one part of a broader, whole-body approach. Depending on your symptoms and history, your therapist may also use:

  • Myofascial release of the pelvic floor and abdominal wall to ease muscle tension

  • Cupping to increase circulation and reduce sluggish tissues

  • Gentle stretching and mobility work for hips, low back, and pelvis

  • Breath training to relax pelvic floor muscles and calm pain signals

  • Nerve gliding techniques if pelvic or leg nerves are irritated during your cycle

  • Dry needling to release painful trigger points (learn more about dry needling here)

All of these methods help create a healthier environment for your pelvic organs, reducing the monthly strain on your uterus and surrounding tissues.

 

You Don’t Have to Live with Painful Periods

If you’ve been told, “this is just how your periods are,” please know there are options. Painful cycles often have a physical, treatable cause, and pelvic floor physical therapy, including Mercier Therapy, can help you feel better month after month.

Need relief from period pain? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if Well+Core is the right fit for you.

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