The Role of Pelvic Floor Therapy
Menopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life, typically occurring between the
ages of 45 and 55, marking the end of menstrual cycles. While it’s a normal phase, the
hormonal changes—particularly the decline in estrogen—can lead to a variety of
physical and emotional symptoms. Many women experience challenges such as hot
flashes, mood swings, and pelvic health issues. Fortunately, pelvic floor occupational
therapy (PFOT) can be a powerful tool to manage and alleviate many of these
symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause affects each woman differently, but some of the most common symptoms
include:
1. Vaginal and Pelvic Changes
- Vaginal dryness (due to decreased estrogen)
- Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Urinary incontinence (leaking with coughing, sneezing, or exercise)
- Frequent urination or urgency
- Pelvic organ prolapse (a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvis)
2. Musculoskeletal and Joint Issues
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Decreased muscle tone (including pelvic floor muscles)
- Lower back pain
3. Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Brain fog or memory lapses
- Sleep disturbances
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help
Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on the muscles,
ligaments, and connective tissues in the pelvic region. A trained therapist can help
address many menopause-related symptoms through targeted exercises and
techniques.
1. Relieving Vaginal Dryness and Painful Intercourse
- Manual therapy can improve blood flow and tissue elasticity in the vaginal area
- Cold Laser Therapy improves skin integrity, relieves vaginal pain, and helps yo relax
tight and tender muscles.
- Dilator therapy may be used to gently stretch and desensitize tissues.
- Breathing and relaxation techniques can reduce pelvic tension, making intercourse
more comfortable.
2. Strengthening the Pelvic Floor for Incontinence & Prolapse
- Kegels and other pelvic floor exercises help strengthen weak muscles, reducing
urinary leakage and improving/reducing the severity of prolapses.
- Electrical Muscle Stimulation can work wonders in improving pelvic floor strength and
coordination.
- Vaginal Weights protocols to improve muscle strength and help to alleviate urinary
incontinence.
- Biofeedback teaches proper muscle engagement to improve bladder control.
- Pessary and support strategies can help manage prolapse symptoms.
3. Alleviating Pelvic and Lower Back Pain
- Postural training helps reduce strain on the pelvis and lower back.
- Core and hip strengthening stabilizes the pelvic region.
- Dry Needling helps to quickly and effectively reduce or alleviate hip, thigh, and back
pain.
- Myofascial release eases tight muscles contributing to pain.
4. Improving Sexual Function and Confidence
- Education on pelvic health empowers women to understand their bodies better.
- Sensory retraining can enhance pleasure and reduce discomfort.
5. Supporting Emotional Well-Being
- Stress-reduction techniques like diaphragmatic breathing can ease anxiety.
- Movement therapy (such as yoga-based stretches as well as ESSENTRICS) promotes
relaxation and better sleep.
- Resilience training to help manage the emotional and physical changes that come with
perimenopause and menopause.
- Pelvic Floor Occupational Therapist are great resources for education and all things
that can improve their clients quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Menopause/Perimenopause doesn’t have to mean suffering in silence. Pelvic floor
therapy offers a drug-free, holistic approach to managing many of the challenging
symptoms that come with this transition. By strengthening the pelvic floor, improving
circulation, and teaching relaxation techniques, PFOT can help women regain comfort,
confidence, and quality of life. However, choosing an experienced and well trained
pelvic therapist is key to getting life changing results.
If you’re experiencing menopause or perimenopause related pelvic issues, consider
consulting a pelvic floor occupational therapist to explore personalized treatment
options. You deserve to feel your best at every stage of life!
Christy Watson, OTR/L, PRPC, CMHIMP, UDN-C
Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner