The British Journal of Sports Medicine just called for better treatment of period pain in female athletes. Here's what I'm doing about it

Are you a female soccer player who struggles with period pain?

I am a registered physiotherapist with an Advanced Health Care Practice Masters in Sport & Exercise Medicine and my Diploma in Sport Physiotherapy. I am deeply passionate about advancing sport physiotherapy care for athletes in women’s sports. To help build on the evidence I am conducting a clinical case study on the use of electroacupuncture (EA) for the management of period pain in female athletes. While electroacupuncture has strong evidence for period pain generally, we have no data yet on its use specifically in athletes and in field-side settings, and that's exactly what I want to change. I am looking for one competitive soccer player to participate over three consecutive menstrual cycles. This case study will help formally document what I've been seeing clinically and contribute to an evidence base that doesn't yet exist.

You may be eligible if you:

• Are a female soccer player aged 16–35

• Experience moderate to severe pain with your period, in the majority of your cycles over the last 6 months (minimum)

  • What is moderate to severe pain? Does the pain interfere with your ability to train, play, attend school/work, your daily activities of life? 

  • Do you regularly take pain medication for your period pain, or do you wish you had a better option? (Maybe you avoid medication but would still love some relief?) 

• Have no known pelvic pathology (e.g. endometriosis, fibroids)

• Are not currently pregnant

• Are not using an IUD or hormonal contraceptives 

• Are open to receiving acupuncture/electro-acupuncture

What's involved:

• One intake assessment (~60 minutes)

• 2–3 electroacupuncture sessions per menstrual cycle, over three cycles (~30 minutes each)

• A brief daily pain diary on symptomatic days

• All treatment is provided at no cost

Findings will be written up as an anonymized case study. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time. Written consent will be obtained prior to starting.

If you're interested or have questions, please contact Micaela Zettel at micaela@instilphysio.ca