Originally published in the Daily Drip
When it comes to navigating the journey of menopause and hormonal changes, many women are led to believe that the discomfort and pain is just something that they have to live with- that it’s just a part of aging.
We find ourselves desperately searching for a magical supplement, diet, or hack that will cure the pain, hot flashes, sleepless nights, or emotional irregularity so that we can finally feel like ourselves again. And even as treatments such as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) become a more mainstream solution, we still find ourselves chasing “symptom free” optimal living.
The reason? Symptoms of menopause can be complex and multifactorial and therefore, require a comprehensive and multimodal approach!
While HRT has presented tremendous strides in critical relief, it is only one piece of the puzzle. To truly thrive during this transformative season, women must address the physical changes happening in their bodies—in addition to the hormonal changes.
Enter: the pelvic floor.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that form a supportive “floor” at the base of the pelvis impacting sexual function, urination and bowl movements, organ function and more.
The strength and function of the pelvic floor can be affected during menopause as its function is closely influenced by hormonal changes. This is why HRT alone can leave many still battling the pain and discomfort of menopause symptoms.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is game-changing but often overlooked and essential component in menopause care. And here’s how!
1. Hormones & Pelvic Health
Hormones like estrogen and progesterone are the unsung heroes of pelvic health.
As women transition through perimenopause and menopause, the body experiences a natural decline in estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are critical for maintaining the strength, tone, and elasticity of the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, uterus, rectum, and other organs. When these hormone levels drop, pelvic floor muscles can weaken, leading to issues such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction.
HRT can help replenish estrogen, which may provide relief from some of these symptoms, but it doesn’t directly target pelvic floor muscle function or address physical issues like muscle tightness, weakness, or coordination. That’s where Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy comes in, offering targeted, transformative solutions.
2. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Your Missing Puzzle Piece
Here’s how pelvic floor physical therapy goes beyond symptom management by strengthening, retraining, and/or relaxing the pelvic floor muscles for long term sustainable relief.
- Urinary Incontinence: Strengthens the muscles that control urination, reducing leaks and urgency.
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Enhances support and coordination to prevent or manage prolapse.
- Sexual Health: Improves blood flow, muscle tone, and comfort, addressing pain and restoring pleasure.
Imagine the freedom of laughing without worry, moving without pain, and rediscovering joy in intimacy- Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy helps you get back to YOU!
3. Multifactorial Symptoms Require a Multi-Modal Approach
Here’s why. Hormonal changes can not only affect the elasticity and strength of pelvic tissues, but long term dysfunction can impact muscle memory. Muscle training through physical therapy is needed to improve muscle function and restore the strength, coordination, and flexibility in the pelvic floor muscles.
Similarly, just as HRT can help to restore lubrication and elasticity, physical therapy builds strength and coordination for optimal function.
Just as physical therapy is essential for joint and muscle rehabilitation after an injury, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy offers a broader scope of symptom relief and long term, sustainable health & wellness during menopause.
The Power of a Comprehensive Care Plan
Women deserve more than band-aid solutions. They deserve care that honors the complexity of their bodies and the fullness of their lives. Menopause is not a one-size-fits-all experience, and it demands a personalized, multidimensional approach. A comprehensive care plan that includes Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy does more than manage symptoms—it transforms lives.
At Pelvicore Rehab & Wellness, our skilled Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists provide our patients with an individualized, holistic care plan tailored to each client’s unique needs. We leave no stone unturned, including critical lifestyle factors such as stress management, sleep, nutrition, supplementation, and exercise. By addressing these interconnected elements, our patients can achieve the best possible results from every component of their care plan.
This is about giving women the tools they need to thrive, not just survive. It’s about embracing this season to create a life that feels vibrant, fulfilling, and free of limitations.
Let’s break the silence around pelvic health and redefine menopause through proactive care. And while we’re at it, let’s ensure that every woman has access to the tools and knowledge she needs to thrive. Because menopause isn’t an ending—it’s a new beginning. And with the right care, it can be your most powerful chapter yet.
