An apparatus to relieve menstrual cramping which includes one or more symmetrical tapered pads having an inner and outer side, each outer side being semi-rigid and each inner side being flexible and compressible. The outer side of each pad is connected to one or more straps having a first and corresponding second end. A fastener is attached to the first end of each strap and a corresponding second fastener attaches to the second end of each strap. The apparatus also includes a constricting device (such as a ratchet) located on or proximate to one pad sufficient to create a compression force through each strap when the first and corresponding second fasteners connect to one another. The corresponding method includes the steps of placing one or more pads proximate to the hips, affixing each pad to each strap, connecting both ends of the straps to each other and creating necessary compression.
