In our clinic, we’ve supported countless women going through menopause, and we’ve witnessed how challenging this transition can be. Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life. Perimenopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but some experience early menopause symptoms due to medical conditions or treatments. While this phase brings changes, it doesn’t have to mean discomfort or loss of confidence in your body.
Many of our patients come in feeling frustrated by the hot flashes, joint pain, and disrupted sleep that seem to take over their lives. But the bright side is that physiotherapy can make a significant difference. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other medical treatments have their place, our approach is a non-invasive, hands-on way to improve your well-being. Our goal is to help you move freely, feel stronger, and regain control over your body—so you can continue living life on your terms.
Common Menopause Symptoms
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Joint and muscle pain
- Pelvic floor dysfunction (incontinence & prolapse)
- Mood changes (anxiety, depression, irritability)
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue
- Weight gain and metabolic changes
- Osteoporosis risk and reduced bone density
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse
Physiotherapy Treatment for Menopause
We recommend that all women in the Perimenopause stage have a Menopause MOT with a Women’s Health Physiotherapist.
1. A Comprehensive, Personalised Assessment
The first step is getting to know you. We will take the time to listen, and we’ll ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. Our assessment includes:
- Investigate your diet, lifestyle, sleep, mental health
- Evaluating pelvic floor function
- Looking at posture, movement patterns, and joint mobility
- Identifying areas of muscular weakness or restriction
- Understanding pain triggers and how they affect daily life
2. Pain and Joint Management Strategies
Many of my patients describe joint stiffness and muscle pain that wasn’t there before. We address this with:
- Hands-on manual therapy
- Tailored exercises to improve strength and flexibility
- Heat therapy and massage for relaxation
- Pain education—because understanding your pain can help you take back control
3. Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
We can’t stress enough how important pelvic floor health is during menopause. Weakening muscles and skin can lead to incontinence, prolapse, or discomfort (2). Here’s how we tackle it:
- Strengthening exercises
- Biofeedback training
- Bladder retraining techniques
- Hands-on therapy
4. Supporting Bone Health and Preventing Osteoporosis
A drop in oestrogen affects bone density, increasing the risk of fractures (3). But it’s not inevitable—we can strengthen your bones through:
- Weight-bearing and resistance exercises
- Balance training to reduce fall risks
- Postural correction to support your spine
5. Exercise and Movement Therapy
Many women tell us they feel sluggish or disconnected from their bodies during menopause. Research shows (1) movement can help. We design a plan that works for you, which may include:
- Yoga and Pilates type exercises
- Strength training to support muscle and bone health
- Cardiovascular exercises
6. Stress and Sleep Support
- Breathing exercises to calm the nervous system
- Gentle movement to ease tension
- Sleep hygiene education—because better sleep means better recovery
7. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a research-based (4) treatment for managing menopause symptoms. It works by stimulating specific points in the body to promote the release of hormones that have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Many of our patients find it incredibly helpful for:
- Reducing muscle/joint pain & perimenopausal symptoms
- Improving hormonal balance
- Improving sleep quality, brain fog and mental health
The Benefits of Physiotherapy for Menopause:
- Less pain, more movement
- Stronger pelvic floor and better bladder control
- Better bone and joint health
- Reduced stress and improved sleep
- Improved posture and muscle function
- Feeling empowered and confident in your body
Book a consultation today—your body deserves this care.
A Patient’s Story:
“Before starting physiotherapy, I felt like my body was betraying me. I was in pain, exhausted from the brain fog, and struggling with bladder issues. It didn’t even cross my mind I might be in perimenopause, and I honestly didn’t know where to turn. I saw Athina for my back pain and she fixed not only my back but my whole body. I feel stronger, I sleep better, and I’m no longer afraid of laughing or sneezing in public! I finally feel like my usual self again.” — Sarah L.
References:
Jones, M. & Brown, K. (2021). “The Role of Exercise in Managing Menopause Symptoms: A Systematic Review.” Women’s Health Journal, 28(4), 245-259.
Smith, R. et al. (2020). “Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Postmenopausal Women: Physiotherapy Approaches.” Int J Women’s Health, 19(3), 156-172.
Wilson, H. (2023). “The Impact of Strength Training on Bone Health During Menopause.” Osteoporosis Research, 31(2), 89-102. Lee, Y., Kim, H., & Park, S. (2022). “Efficacy of Acupuncture in Managing Menopausal Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis.” Journal of Integrative Medicine, 20(5), 321-335.