How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help with Menopause
As women transition through peri-menopause, menopause, and post-menopause, our bodies undergo significant changes. One area often affected but less discussed is the pelvic floor. Genitourinary symptoms such as urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness, and pelvic organ prolapse become common due to the decrease in estrogen. Pelvic floor therapy can play a crucial role in managing these symptoms and improving quality of life.
Understanding the Genitourinary Impact of Menopause
Hormonal Changes Affect the Pelvic Floor: As estrogen levels drop during menopause, the tissues in the urinary and reproductive systems become thinner and less resilient. This can lead to urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness, and pelvic organ prolapse. Optimizing the pelvic floor through targeted therapy can improve bladder control and support the surrounding organs, alleviating symptoms like leakage or frequent urinary tract infections. Pelvic floor therapy is not just about improving muscle strength but also about enhancing coordination and support for all the organs and tissues involved. Here’s how it can help with specific menopause-related symptoms:
Menopause can start as early as your 30’s or as late as your early 50’s.
Urinary Incontinence Treatment Therapy focuses on manual techniques and pressure management to improve bladder control, helping women regain their confidence and reduce leaks
Vaginal Dryness and Painful Intercourse Myofascial release and visceral mobilization can improve blood flow to the tissues, alleviate pain, and make intimacy more comfortable for post-menopausal women.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Many women worry about prolapse as they age, but through a combination of internal and external manual therapy, manual biofeedback, pressure management strategies, and body biomechanics correction, we work to support pelvic organs and relieve pressure.
Pelvic Pain and Sexual Dysfunction: While commonly overlooked, some menopausal women experience pelvic pain or discomfort during sex, which is often linked to weakened pelvic muscles or changes in tissue elasticity. Therapy helps alleviate pain by optimizing these muscles and improving muscle coordination, making sex more comfortable and enjoyable
These symptoms, while common, don’t have to be accepted as part of aging. Pelvic floor therapy offers a holistic solution.
Pelvic Floor Therapy for Menopause-Related Issues
Our Approach: Beyond Kegels, Machines, and Chairs (OH MY!)
At South Texas Pelvic Health, we do not treat pelvic floor dysfunction with Kegels or machines. Instead, we rely on internal and external manual therapies tailored to each patient’s needs. Our techniques include:
Myofascial release work: This helps relieve tension in the connective tissues surrounding muscles, aiding in relaxation and pain relief.
Visceral mobilization: Targeting the internal organs, we improve mobility and function within the pelvic cavity.
Dry needling: By addressing trigger points in pelvic muscles, we relieve tension and promote healing.
Pressure management strategies: This is key to addressing pelvic organ prolapse by teaching patients how to manage intra-abdominal pressure during activities.
Biomechanics: ensuring that poor muscle recruitment or body mechanics are corrected for optimal pelvic function.
Functional Strengthening: Our approach to strengthening focuses on practical, functional movements that promote stability, proper muscle recruitment, and real-world application of pelvic floor strength, rather than isolated exercises like Kegels.
Red Light Therapy: This non-invasive technique helps reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing, making it a useful adjunct in pelvic floor rehabilitation.
Lymphedema Management: We incorporate specialized techniques to manage swelling and fluid retention, particularly for women who may experience lymphedema post-surgery or during menopause.
Holistic Approach: Navigating Menopause with Lifestyle and Wellness Support
At South Texas Pelvic Health, we work closely with each patient to manage the genitourinary symptoms of menopause through a whole-body approach. Beyond pelvic floor therapy, we help patients make positive lifestyle adjustments that support their overall health and well-being. Our approach includes guidance in the following key areas:
Nutrition: Nutrition plays a vital role in managing symptoms like inflammation, weight gain, and hormonal fluctuations. We help patients navigate their dietary choices by discussing how nutrition affects symptoms like inflammation, fatigue, and hormone balance. We can assist in identifying nutrient-dense foods that support pelvic health and overall well-being, including anti-inflammatory options and foods rich in phytoestrogens.
Exercise: Beyond pelvic floor therapy, regular movement helps maintain muscle tone and improve circulation, which is especially important as the body transitions through menopause. We focus on exercises that support functional strengthening, promote mobility, and aid in pressure management to protect against prolapse.
Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for tissue repair and hormonal balance. We help patients develop better sleep hygiene habits with practical strategies in order to support their recovery.
Stress Reduction: It’s no surprise but stress can exacerbate pelvic floor dysfunction. We help patients identify effective relaxation techniques that fit into their day to reduce muscle tension and improve mental and emotional well-being.
Supplements and Medications: We collaborate with patients and their healthcare providers to explore the potential role of supplements or medications in their care. Whether it’s incorporating bone-strengthening nutrients like calcium and magnesium or discussing topical estrogen cream, we help patients make informed decisions about how these options fit into their overall wellness plan.
Pelvic floor therapy offers a powerful, non-invasive option for managing the genitourinary symptoms of menopause. By addressing the underlying causes of dysfunction with pelvic floor therapy, women can find relief from urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and more. It’s never too late to prioritize your pelvic health and take back control of your body.
Pelvic floor therapy offers a powerful, non-invasive option for managing the genitourinary symptoms of menopause.
Take Control of Your Pelvic Health Today
If you’re experiencing urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or discomfort, or feel like you are in the dark when it comes to the symptoms you are experiencing in perimenopause or menopause don’t wait for things to worsen. Menopause may bring changes, but with the right care, you can reclaim your quality of life. Our personalized pelvic floor therapy is designed to address your unique needs, using advanced manual techniques to provide relief and restore function.
Contact South Texas Pelvic Health (<- click the link) today or give us a call at 361-317-1530 to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards better pelvic health and well-being. Your body deserves the best care at every stage of life!