How Physical Therapy Can Ease the Transition to Menopause
You don’t have to face “the change” alone–our physical therapists are here to help
For many women, menopause suggests a frightening blend of aging, hot flashes, and general uncertainty. In reality, menopause is a normal part of a woman’s life cycle. While it can, for some women, come saddled with uncomfortable side effects, treatments are available! The physical therapists at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy are here to help make the transition easier for you.
Menopause officially begins 12 months after your last period. However, the time leading up to that point is often marked by changes in a woman’s body and menstrual cycle. Called “perimenopause,” this period usually starts when a woman is in her 40s or early 50s and can last anywhere from seven to 14 years.
If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry! A physical therapist trained in women’s health issues, like the experts at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy, can provide guidance and treatment for the changes in your body during this period. With simple exercises and pain relief treatments, we’ll help make the transition to menopause as easy as possible.
The many ways that menopause can transform the body
As your body prepares for menopause, it goes through a series of changes, much as it did when you were experiencing puberty. These changes can cause several side effects, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and difficulty sleeping. In addition, you might notice physical changes in your body, too: achier joints, a loss of muscle mass, or changes to the texture of your skin.
Once you’ve gone through menopause, you’ll enter the post-menopause stage, which brings additional concerns, such as an increased risk for heart disease or osteoporosis.
While all these changes are completely normal, they can be uncomfortable or even painful. This is when physical therapy sessions at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy can offer relief.
Physical therapy as an additional treatment source for menopause
Our team of experts is specifically trained to approach physical therapy care from a women’s health perspective. We understand what the transition to menopause entails and how challenging it can be, and we’re equipped to provide treatment for issues that arise before, during, and after menopause, including the following:
Pain management: We can provide drug-free treatments for achy joints and pelvic pain. Treatments include manual therapy (a hands-on approach that helps to alter pain signals from the brain, decrease muscle guarding and tension, and allows for more movement through a pain-free range), pelvic strengthening exercises, or electrical stimulation treatments.
Strength training: Because menopause can weaken the bones and reduce muscle mass, it’s important to develop an exercise program to counteract those effects. Fortunately, strength training builds up muscles and bones. Our experts can help you find a strength training program that works for you, whether it’s lifting barbells at the gym, taking Pilates or yoga classes, bodyweight strengthening without the need for equipment, or making use of a resistance band.
General exercise: We can also help you develop a general exercise program, particularly if menopause has made your old routine painful. Aquatic therapy is an especially great choice if you’re suffering from joint pain. It can also help improve your aerobic capacity, lowering your risk for heart disease later in life.
What to expect at your appointment with Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy
Our physical therapists are dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming environment where you can ask questions and seek treatment without judgment. We understand what you’re going through, and we want to help!
At your first appointment, you can expect an in-depth physical assessment–probably more in-depth than what you’re used to at the doctor’s office. Our experts want to get a sense of how your entire body is functioning so that we can provide the best possible treatment options for you.
From there, we’ll take stock of your specific concerns and then work together to address them. Experiencing pelvic pain? We might suggest pelvic floor exercises or manual therapy. Worried about bone loss? We’ll get you started with a customized strength training program.
Schedule an appointment today!
The physical therapists at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy understand that the transition into menopause can be frustrating and confusing. We’re here to help make that transition as smooth as possible, allow you to still do the things you love and enjoy, and ensure that you’re as healthy as possible when you start the next stage of your life.
If you want to find out more about how physical therapy can help you navigate the road to menopause, schedule an appointment with us today. We’re here for you, no matter your concerns!