Transitioning Into Menopause

Have you noticed a change in your body since transitioning into menopause and wondering if a pelvic floor physical therapist could help?  Keep reading below, to learn more about the common symptoms we often treat in the clinic!

• Pelvic Pain

  Pain near, around or inside the pelvis is a symptom that we treat on a regular basis.  This could include pelvic dryness/irritation to the vaginal tissues, pain with intercourse or just pain with general activities.  A thorough assessment will help guide the best treatment recommendations for each person as there can be multiple factors to your pain. It’s best to be assessed in the clinic where we will build out a personalized plan to help!

• Urge or stress incontinence

  Do you ever leak during a cough/sneeze OR feel like you have to go to the bathroom RIGHT NOW because you otherwise won’t make it without leaking!?  Leaking can be very uncomfortable and limit a person from doing activities they enjoy.  A pelvic floor therapist will address muscle restrictions, muscle strength deficits and assess how you are managing pressure during activities to help reduce leakage!

• Prolapse

  During menopause there is a change in the tissue support in the pelvic floor, which can lead to symptoms of pressure or heaviness at the vaginal opening.  The strength of the surrounding muscles are very important to help alleviate symptoms.  Also, constipation is another huge factor to address as this can put a lot of demand and pressure on the pelvic floor if you have consistent straining. 

• Headache

  Headaches are typically multifactorial so we will talk about a lot of lifestyle contributors, address muscle restriction and promote strengthening to reduce headache occurrence! 

• Joint pain or general muscle weakness

  Muscle mass and bone health can rapidly decline before and during menopause.  One of the best strategies to combat this is to load the tissues with lifting weights! If you are fearful of starting a strength program, let us help guide you through a gradual rebuilding process! 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms we described above and have more questions, contact the Pelvic Health team at Breathe In Motion at 262-384-6055 to see how we can help!