The case of music-assisted progressive muscle relaxation (MAPMR) in managing symptoms of dysmenorrhea during menstruation

Where existing treatments are sometimes expensive, inaccessible, unhelpful, or harmful long-term, MAPMR was explored as a possible alternative for PD pain management. Three South African women between the ages of 18 and 29 with symptoms/diagnoses of primary dysmenorrhea listened to a playlist they co-created while following a pre-recorded progressive muscle relaxation prompt.

Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Seven themes were developed:</p><p dir="ltr">a) Mood, environment and physical difficulties as features of menstrual discomfort during the intervention period, </p><p dir="ltr">b) Some variation in the programme would have been even more helpful, </p><p dir="ltr">c) Use of MAPMR, </p><p dir="ltr">d) Warming to and valuing relaxation in MAPMR, </p><p dir="ltr">e) Enhanced relaxation experience, </p><p dir="ltr">f) MAPMR offered benefits beyond physical impact, and </p><p dir="ltr">g) Moderate and temporary pain relief. </p><p dir="ltr">These themes were discussed particularly in relation to how participants valued a guided, meditation-like experience and noted moderate but fleeting pain reduction.</p>