Menopause and Musculoskeletal Conditions – How Physio Can Help
As women transition through menopause, they undergo significant physiological changes that can impact their musculoskeletal health. This is primarily due to a drop in oestrogen levels, the hormone which plays a key role in tendon integrity, muscle mass and strength. There are numerous conditions that can arise due to this in menopause – our physiotherapists are here to help!
Understanding Menopausal Musculoskeletal Changes
There are a few common musculoskeletal changes associated with menopause:
- Decreased bone density, often leading to osteopenia or osteoporosis, commonly in shoulders, hips, wrists and spines
- Exacerbated symptoms associated with skeletal ageing and degeneration, for example, painful osteoarthritis of the hands, knees, hips, etc.
- Muscle mass loss and weakness as well as tendon stiffness and reduced integrity. Common related conditions include:
- Frozen shoulder
- Rotator cuff tears
- Tendinopathies (common areas include: patellar, achilles, supraspinatus tendinopathy)
Physiotherapy Strategies
Don’t worry! It’s not all downhill from menopause, we promise. We can help you through this phase of your life via a few different strategies:
- Exercise Prescription: Tailored programs enhance bone density, muscle strength, and joint mobility.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques alleviate pain and improve joint function.
- Education: Empowerment with lifestyle modifications, including nutrition and fall prevention.
- Postural Correction: Addressing muscle weakness and joint stiffness for improved posture.
- Pain Management: Utilising modalities to reduce pain and inflammation.
In summary…
Physiotherapists play a vital role in helping menopausal women manage musculoskeletal challenges. Through personalised care and education, we can empower women to navigate this life phase with strength and vitality.
If you, or someone you love, is struggling with their physical health through menopause, take action now by making an appointment with one of our caring physiotherapists.