Menopause is a natural phase in life, but that doesn’t mean you have to deal with the menopausal effects. Tailored and personalized physical therapy that features targeted movement exercises and stretches, strength training, and pelvic floor therapy can help to dramatically improve the quality of life for individuals who are going through a menopause transition.
Whether you’re experiencing hot flashes, joint pain, changes in bladder function, or pelvic discomfort, physical therapy offers a safe, drug-free way to feel stronger, more balanced, and in control.
Learn more about how physical therapy can help for the musculoskeletal effects commonly occurring during menopause and empower you to remain active as you age.
Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and marks the end of menstrual cycles, with most individuals going through the transition at 51. The hormonal shifts, especially the decline in estrogen, can trigger a wide range of symptoms, including but not limited to hot flashes and night sweats, changes to the pelvic floor, joint pain and stiffness, muscle weakness, mood swings, and brain fog.
Hot flashes and night sweats are sudden feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating and/or a rapid heartbeat.
Age related changes in muscle mass affect the muscles of the pelvic floor, in addition to the effects of hormones on the surrounding soft tissues and can contribute to urinary incontinence, pelvic pressure, or discomfort.
Hormonal changes can lead to discomfort in joints like the knees, hips, and lower back.
Decreased estrogen can result in reduced muscle mass and bone density.
Cognitive changes, including forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating, are also common.
Menopausal symptoms can impact many aspects of daily life, but physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for managing and alleviating them.
Physical therapy can help to strengthen and improve the function of the pelvic floor muscles supporting the bladder, uterus, and rectum. This can help to alleviate pelvic pain, urinary leakage, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction.
Each physical therapy treatment program is tailored to the unique needs and goals of each patient, including those who are going through menopause. Your physical therapist will work with you to implement exercises and stretches that are designed to alleviate pain, reduce discomfort, increase flexibility, and address other specific needs.
As the body changes throughout the course of menopause, it’s important to maintain activity levels and ensure bad habits don’t creep in, like poor posture. Physical therapy can help to provide guidance on proper posture and teach you effective techniques to reduce strain on your joints and muscles so that you can continue to remain active as you work towards a healthy lifestyle.
Physical therapy not only helps to address many menopausal symptoms, but it’s also an effective technique for making sure that you are doing all that you can to live life to the fullest. This includes treating those aches and pains for other conditions, building functional strength to perform everyday activities, and working to improve cardiovascular health by teaching the importance of staying physically active.
Physical therapy cannot directly stop hot flashes, but it can help regulate body temperature and reduce frequency by helping educate individuals on the importance of staying active with regular exercise.
No. Pelvic floor physical therapy can also address other conditions including pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and other pelvic health conditions to support overall pelvic wellness.
Menopause is a significant life transition, but with the right support, you can navigate it with strength and confidence through comprehensive physical therapy treatment. Physical therapy offers personalized strategies to manage symptoms, improve physical function, alleviate pain, address underlying muscular deficiencies, and enhance overall well-being.
Request an appointment at a nearby physical therapy clinic to see how physical therapy can help you!
