Struggling with cramps? Our top tools for pain relief

For someone with chronic pain, finding efficient, sustainable devices to manage cramps can be a challenge. For decades, people with pelvic pain have been calling out for the perfect tool. Pain relief that can be worn hands-free, that lasts more than thirty minutes, and can be used outside the home. The age of the hot water bottle is dead and better technologies abound. Uncomfortable leaks and third-degree burns are a thing of the past.

That’s why we’ve collated a list of our favourite tools for effective pain relief from 100% Australian companies. Because at Endo Articles, we know that finding the right pain tool can be life changing.

Heat Packs

Heat packs utilise straightforward heat therapy to relax straining muscles and soothe cramps. Commonly filled with wheat, flaxseed, or millet, they offer the same natural, low-tech approach as hot water bottles with a far lower risk of leaks or burns.

Most heat packs can be heated in a microwave for 1-3 minutes and, depending on how they are used, can provide comfort for up to 40 minutes. As more people with endometriosis have begun running their own businesses and stepped into product design, we now have tools made with the client’s needs in mind.

Wearable heat packs with straps and pouches allow you to move around freely while receiving support. These wearable heat packs are also available in different sizes.

Some of our favourite heat packs are:

• The Happy Uterus: Heat Pack and Wearable Pouch

  A small business from Canberra, ACT, The Happy Uterus creates bright heat packs and wearable pouches which are all handmade by Natalie, an Endo Articles Member, and her mum.

  In November last year, they ran a DIY workshop with Endo Articles to teach our members how to make their own heat packs!

• Kosi’s 360 Wearable Heat Pack

  Featuring Velcro wrap-around, Kosi’s 306 heat pack targets lower back and abdominal cramps simultaneously.

• The Grain Shop’s Large Wheat Heat Bag Animal

  An alternative to wearable heat packs, wheat bag animals offer all the relief with an added dose of cuteness.

Electric hot water bottles

Never heard of an electric hot water bottle before? You can probably find one at your ever-shivering grandmother’s house. But that’s no reason for them to be disregarded! A modern reimagining of the traditional hot water bottle, electric hot water bottles maintain long-lasting heat and operate without risk of leaks.

Unlike traditional hot water bottles, they also don’t need to be refilled. While some are charged by plugging into a power socket, others are battery operated. Electric hot water bottles can last up to approximately six hours before needing to be recharged and are a great option for chronic pain management.

See our favourite electric hot water bottle: Ailia Bottle’s Electric Hot Water Bottle and Body Strap

TENS machines

Harnessing electric currents, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machines interrupt the body’s pain signals with pulsing to stimulate nerves and help mitigate cramps. Don’t worry, we’re not talking about uncomfortable electric shocks. TENS machines feel like a gentle pulse on the skin.

They often have customisable modes so it’s easy to personalise the intensity to fit your needs. Initially invented for hospital use, and later for chronic pain, the endometriosis community has popularised this device for its portability and longevity. Unlike a lot of heat-based products, TENS machines can last an entire day making them a sustainable and discreet tool for school or work.

• Dahlia Body’s Instant Period Pain Relief Device

  A hybrid adaptation of the TENS device is the heat and massage device, which combines heat technology with nerve stimulation.

• Tap’s 2.0 Wearable Device

  You can check out this device here.

• Staci’s Companion Period Pain Relief Device

  You can check out the device here.

Instant heat pads

Instant heat pads are a cheap, easy solution to unexpected cramping. If you’re ever caught out without access to pain medication or your preferred pain mitigation tool, instant heat pads may be your best call. Available at most chemists and supermarkets, they can simply be placed over the top of clothing and will heat up instantly after opening. Some instant heat pads can provide heat therapy for up to 14 hours. The downside to instant heat pads is their single-use nature, however, as a last resort they still offer effective pain relief. 

A popular heat pad we love is: Hotteeze’s Heat Pads