Physiotherapy for menopause Brisbane southside.

Menopause and Related Conditions: Understanding Pain and Hormonal Changes
Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs when a woman's reproductive cycle ends, typically around the age of 50 though the age range can vary wildly. The hormonal changes that occur during menopause can cause a range of symptoms, including pain and discomfort. Here are some of the most common causes of pain or injury during menopause:
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1. Osteoporosis: As estrogen levels decline during menopause, bones can become weaker and more prone to fractures. Osteoporosis is a common condition that affects many menopausal women. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 80% of the 10 million Americans with osteoporosis are women, and menopause is a significant risk factor for the condition. Multiple studies continue to find that women who engaged in regular physical activity, including weight-bearing exercise, had higher bone mineral density and were less likely to experience fractures compared to sedentary women.
2. Joint pain: Menopause can cause joint pain and stiffness, especially in the hands, wrists, and knees. This is due again to a decrease in estrogen levels, which can affect the joints and cause inflammation. Women with lower estrogen levels have a higher risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, however those who engage in regular physical activity, including walking and weight-bearing exercise, experience less joint pain and stiffness compared to sedentary women.
3. Urinary incontinence: Many women experience urinary incontinence during menopause, which can be caused by a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor muscle training, including Kegel exercises, can help improve urinary incontinence in menopausal women.

How can physiotherapy and Pilates help with menopause?
Hormonal changes during menopause can impact your body in many ways. Estrogen and progesterone are two hormones that play a significant role in the menstrual cycle and are also responsible for many of the symptoms associated with menopause. Here are some of the ways hormones impact our bodies during menopause:

1. Hot flashes and night sweats: Changes in estrogen levels can cause hot flashes and night sweats, which can be uncomfortable and disrupt sleep. Regular physical activity, including yoga and Pilates, can help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and improve sleep quality in menopausal women.
2. Mood changes: Hormonal fluctuations can also lead to mood changes, including irritability, anxiety, and depression. Again regular physical activity, including yoga and Pilates, helps women experience less mood disturbances compared to sedentary women.
3. Weight gain: Menopause can make it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight, as declining estrogen levels can slow down metabolism. A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that women who engaged in regular physical activity, including Pilates, had a lower body mass index (BMI) and were less likely to gain weight compared to sedentary women.
4. Bone loss: As mentioned earlier, declining estrogen levels can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. Women who engage in regular physical activity, including weight-bearing exercise, had higher bone mineral density and were less likely to experience fractures compared to sedentary women.

How does menopause impact injuries?
​Menopause can impact injuries in a number of ways. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, the body may become more susceptible to certain types of injuries. Here are a few ways that menopause can impact injuries:

1. Osteoporosis: As mentioned earlier, menopause is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more prone to fractures. Women with osteoporosis are more likely to experience fractures from falls or other injuries. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, one in two women over age 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
2. Joint pain: Menopause can cause joint pain and stiffness, which can increase the risk of injuries. For example, if a woman experiences knee pain and stiffness during menopause, she may be more likely to injure her knee during physical activity.
3. Muscle weakness: Menopause can also cause muscle weakness, particularly in the pelvic floor muscles. Weak pelvic floor muscles can increase the risk of falls and injuries, as well as contribute to urinary incontinence.
4. Decreased flexibility: Menopause can also lead to decreased flexibility, which can make it more difficult to move and perform physical activities. This can increase the risk of injuries, particularly if a woman is engaging in physical activities that require a lot of stretching or range of motion.

​Menopause can also increase the risk of conditions like frozen shoulder, which is a painful condition that causes stiffness and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. Frozen shoulder is more common in women than men, and it's been suggested that hormonal changes during menopause may play a role.

Estrogen is known to have a protective effect on the connective tissues in the body, including the tendons and ligaments that surround the shoulder joint. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, these tissues may become weaker and more prone to injury. Additionally, hormonal changes can lead to inflammation and other changes in the joint tissues that can contribute to the development of frozen shoulder.

Women who are going through menopause and experiencing shoulder pain or stiffness should seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause. If frozen shoulder is diagnosed, treatment may involve physical therapy, medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and in some cases, surgery. Women may also be advised to engage in regular exercise and stretching to maintain mobility and flexibility in the shoulder joint.

In addition to frozen shoulder, menopause can also increase the risk of other musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. It's important for women going through menopause to be aware of these potential risks and to take steps to prevent and manage these conditions. This can include staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and seeking medical attention for any symptoms of pain or stiffness.

​Exercise and Menopause: How Pilates Can Help
​Exercise is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, especially during menopause. Regular physical activity can help manage symptoms and improve overall health and wellbeing. Pilates, a low-impact form of exercise that focuses on core strength, flexibility, and balance, can be particularly beneficial for menopausal women. Here are some of the ways Pilates can help:

1. Improve posture and balance: As we age, our posture and balance can deteriorate, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Pilates can help improve posture and balance, reducing the risk of falls.
2. Strengthen the pelvic floor: Pilates exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, reducing the risk of urinary incontinence.
3. Increase flexibility: Menopause can cause joint pain and stiffness, making it challenging to stay active. Pilates can help increase flexibility and reduce pain.
4. Reduce stress: Exercise is an effective way to manage stress, and Pilates is no exception. The slow, controlled movements of Pilates can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels.​

If you are going through menopause or perimenopause and experiencing pain or injury, or just looking to get into more movement and exercise through Pilates, we would love to help! Contact our friendly team on 07 3706 3407 or email [email protected] to book your first visit, or use or online booking below.

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If you have any questions about our pelvic health physiotherapy please don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly reception staff by calling 07 3706 3407 or emailing [email protected].