Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and How it can help in Menopause
As women age, they undergo various changes in their bodies, including hormonal shifts that result in menopause. Menopause is a natural process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and often brings with it a variety of physical symptoms.
These symptoms can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life, but fortunately, musculoskeletal physiotherapy can provide many benefits for women going through menopause. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of musculoskeletal physiotherapy during menopause and how it can help women maintain their physical health and wellbeing.
1. Improved bone health
Menopause can lead to a decline in bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Musculoskeletal physiotherapy can help improve bone health by providing exercise programs that focus on loading the bones, increasing bone production. This increase in bone cells counteracts the decrease following menopause; building a stronger skeletal system; reducing the risk of fractures in later life.
2. Relief from joint pain and stiffness
As oestrogen levels drop during menopause, joint pain and stiffness can become more prevalent. Musculoskeletal physiotherapy can help reduce these symptoms by providing stretching and mobilising exercises that target the affected joints. Additionally, manual therapy techniques such as massage and joint mobilization can help reduce pain and improve joint mobility.
3. Developing muscle strength
Naturally as we age muscular density is reduced, and even more so in women. If left unmanaged it increases risk of muscular tears and ruptures especially following heavy loading or falls. A progressive training programming targeting those muscles at highest risk can prevent these injuries from happening, enabling a happy and active menopause.
4. Improved tendon and ligament health
It is well known that as women transition into later life their collagen production decreases, which is seen in the loss of skin integrity. This collagen is also found in tendons and ligaments. This causes women to be more susceptible to conditions including tendinopathy as they endeavour to stay active. Physiotherapy helps these tendons to be loaded in a specific way allowing them to recover and to maintain activity levels.
5. Improved balance
Each of the above effects combine to significantly increase the risk of falls within women over the age of 50 compared to men. These falls lead to extensive injuries that can cause a significant change in activity and independence. In addition, helping to prevent the social and health implications of a fear of failing.
6. Reduction of stress and anxiety
Menopause can also lead to an increased risk of stress and anxiety. Musculoskeletal physiotherapy can help reduce these symptoms by providing relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises and mindfulness practices.
These techniques can help women manage stress and anxiety, leading to improved mental health and wellbeing.
In conclusion, musculoskeletal physiotherapy can provide many benefits for women going through menopause. From improved bone health to relief from joint pain and stiffness, musculoskeletal physiotherapy can help women maintain their physical health and wellbeing during this important life transition.
If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms, consider seeking the advice of a musculoskeletal physiotherapist who can provide an individualized treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
Samuel Hobson
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
