Menopause: How Physical Therapy Can Help Restore Confidence and Vitality

To some, menopause may bring a whirlwind of physical, mental, and emotional changes. Not just hot flashes and mood swings, but significant effects of pelvic health, bone density, muscles, and overall function may occur in women transitioning through menopause.

At Revive Physiotherapy, we know that menopause does not require slowing down, suffering with pain, or living with urinary leakage. With evidence-based pelvic floor therapy, you can regain strength, confidence, and vitality.

This article examines the way menopause affects the pelvic floor, muscles, and bones, and how physical therapy for menopause can enable women to thrive.

Understanding Menopause and the Body

Menopause usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55 and is defined by going 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. Reduced estrogen and progesterone affect tissues all around:

• Weakness and dysfunction of the pelvic floor

• Urinary incontinence or urgency.

• Vaginal dryness and discomfort.

• Lower bone density (osteopenia/osteoporosis).

• Loss of muscle mass and muscle strength, also called sarcopenia.

• Postural changes and joint stiffness.

These changes are common, but can be combatted with proper care.

The Pelvic Floor and Menopause

Muscles of the pelvic floor control function of the bladder, rectum, and uterus. During menopause the following changes can happen to the pelvic floor muscle tissue:

• Fewer collagen fibers making the muscle less flexible and more stiff

• Thinning of the vaginal and urethral tissues.

• Loss of pelvic floor muscle tone and coordination.

Common Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction In Menopause.

• Urinary leakage (coughing or sneezing or working out).

• Urgency and frequent urination.

• Pelvic organ prolapse (heaviness or bulging sensation).

• Pain during intimacy.

• Pain in the lower back and instability of the core.

These complaints are prevalent and very well treated with pelvic floor physical therapy.

Behind the Pelvic Floor: Other Menopausal Transitional Changes

1. Osteoporosis prevention and Bone Health

   • Degradation of estrogen promotes bone loss.

   • Resistance and plyometric training improves bone density.

   • Functional strength training fosters resilience and prevents risk of injury.

2. Muscle mass and strength (Sarcopenia)

   • Women lose as much as 20 percent of muscle mass by the age of 60.

   • Loss of strength compromises balance, metabolism and independence.

   • Progressive strength training conserves muscle and can help you build even more! Science shows that we are never too old to grow muscle or increase strength.

3. Joint health and posture

   • Hormonal changes increase joint stiffness

   • Years of long hours doing inactive work often result in postural changes.

   • Therapy restores functional mobility, alignment and movement

4. Cardiovascular Health

   • The risk of heart disease increases after menopause.

   • Aerobic exercises helps maintain heart health and endurance.

Menopause and the Emotional Impact

The physical symptoms of menopause can disrupt confidence, relationships, and quality of life. Women may refuse to exercise or socialize when they are experiencing urinary leakage or may become distant in relationships when intimacy is painful.

At Revive Physiotherapy we treat the whole person, making women feel competent, empowered, and confident to reclaim the life they love.

What to Expect from Pelvic Floor Therapy

Women are often anxious to begin pelvic floor therapy. Here’s what goes down in a first visit:

• Dialogue: learning about your past, symptoms, and goals.

• Movement assessment: evaluating how you perform daily tasks and basic movements

• Pelvic floor internal assessment: optional with consent only.

• Personalized plan: exercises, education, manual therapy, dry needling.

A Holistic, Long-Term Approach

There is no convenient “quick fix” from Menopause physical therapy. At Revive, we emphasize:

• Education: the ability to learn about your body’s changes.

• Progressive training: building strength and mobility safely.

• Empowerment: tools to be in control of your health.

When combined with medical care, nutrition and lifestyle support, women’s health physiotherapy emerges as a powerhouse in successfully thriving through menopause.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're suffering from menopause-related pelvic floor symptoms, you don't have to go through it alone.

📍Located in Fort Lauderdale: we proudly serve women throughout the area who want to feel strong, supported, and empowered at every stage of life.

Call or text 954-519-4185 to schedule and appointment or Book online to get started today.