Physical Therapy for Menopause | Results Physiotherapy

Physical Therapy for Menopause

Blog

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.

Common Symptoms of Menopause

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

Hot flashes and night sweats are sudden feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating and/or a rapid heartbeat.

Pelvic Floor Changes

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.

Joint Pain and Stiffness

Hormonal changes can lead to discomfort in joints like the knees, hips, and lower back.

Muscle Weakness

Decreased estrogen can result in reduced muscle mass and bone density.

Mood Swings and Brain Fog

Cognitive changes, including forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating, are also common.

How Physical Therapy Alleviates Menopausal Symptoms

Menopausal symptoms can impact many aspects of daily life, but physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for managing and alleviating them.

Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles

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.

Personalized Exercises and Stretches

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.

Posture and Movement Training

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.

Long-Term Benefits

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.

Frequently Asked Questions for Physical Therapy and Menopause

Can physical therapy help with hot flashes?

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.

Is pelvic floor therapy only for urinary incontinence?

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.

Alleviate Menopausal Symptoms with Physical Therapy

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!

 

  1. Mayo Clinic. “Menopause – Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 25 May 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397.

Request An Appointment

You might also like

Effects of Screen Time | Results Physiotherapy
Physical Therapy

Effects of Screen Time and How to Introduce Breaks

In today’s hyper-connected world, screen time is nearly unavoidable. Whether you’re scrolling on your phone, attending virtual meetings, or binge-watching your favorite series, it’s easy…

Most Common MVAL Injuries | Results Physiotherapy
Physical Therapy

Most Common MVAL Injuries We Treat with Physical Therapy

If you’ve been in a car accident, you know how scary and painful it can be. Sometimes, even small crashes or fender benders can cause…

Physical Therapy for Dog Bites | Results Physiotherapy
Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy for Dog Bites

Dogs are mankind’s best friend, but they can also be a source of pain if they bite you. Dog bites can be scary and painful.…