How physiotherapy can help treat your menopause symptoms
From menopause joint pain to helping relieve stress and anxiety, Swissphysio is here to our rescue.
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Periods, labour and menopause, we ladies go through it all. We all experience menopause, so why do we find ourselves suffering in silence with our menopause symptoms and continuing like there’s nothing wrong?
From menopause joint pain to anxiety and hot flushes, menopause affects us all in different ways. We do all we can to treat our symptoms, whether that be essential oils or making changes in our diets, but sometimes nothing seems to work… until now.
If you’re looking for natural remedies for menopause symptoms, have you ever considered physiotherapy?
This is where Swissphysio comes to our rescue. With over 30 years of experience, owner and physiotherapist Angela understands not one treatment fits all and will guide you through a tailored plan to regain control of your body by easing the pain and will improve your overall wellbeing.
When we think of physiotherapy, we often think it will be in a cold, clinical space, but not at Swissphysio. Home in the beautiful Victorian Tynemouth Metro Station, Swissphysio’s caring, warm and welcoming team will put you at ease and create an enjoyable experience.
We caught up with Angela to find out how physio could be the answer to easing our pesky menopause symptoms.
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Why does menopause affect our joints?
Our body goes through drastic hormonal changes, we know that the drop in estrogen can be linked to reduced bone tissue production and so to osteoporosis. New studies highlight the influence of estrogen as well on muscles, ligaments, and tendons and the consequences of the reduction of its presence. Estrogen is also a natural anti-inflammatory, and possibly when it dips and ebbs, inflammation is felt more easily. In short: increased risk of musculoskeletal injury, accelerated bone and muscle wasting (sarcopenia).
What can we do against it?
Keeping active is the best way to stay healthy. The trick is to move well and correctly and gradually build up the intensity. The exercise plan I usually provide after the hands-on treatment aims to regain trust in your own body and move correctly. It is a change in the mindset, and both mental and physical changes can take longer to establish.
How can you help with menopause joint pain?
- I will assess you to get a good picture of your body functions (flexibility, strength, coordination, quality of movement) and your actual emotional state. The results will help me identify the main cause of the problem you are coming with and consequently set up a treatment plan for you.
- We’ll then move on to some hands-on treatment where needed, like joint or spine mobilisation or manipulation and a massage. I can also use electrotherapy like shockwave therapy, dry needling and kinesio taping.
- When the pain is more under control, active exercises will take over the show for some time and you will go home with some “homework”. When indicated I will be happy to refer you to our experienced massage therapist and/or acupuncturist.
How can physio help relieve stress and anxiety?
Physio makes you feel in control of your body and problems and gives you the confidence to move and open up. Our posture often reflects how we feel inside. Unfortunately, it mostly means that people try to hide, sinking into their bodies, so it’s no surprise then their muscles and joints will suffer too. If anxiety and stress need to be addressed more primarily, then Swissphysio can provide appointments with qualified psychotherapists/counsellors.
How does physio help support brittle bones?
Bones need to be loaded to keep strong and a calcium-rich diet helps to provide the needed nutrients. People come to me because they broke a bone or Osteoporosis is part of their medical history, physio will help progressively regain movement and strength.
In my sessions, I’ll often challenge your balance such as sitting on a gym ball, standing on a wobble cushion or closing your eyes and walking in a straight line. This improves the capability of your body to react quicker and is a kind of ‘fall prevention training’ built-in session. Better reaction, better balance less broken bones.
How often do you need physio?
Depending on the individual, starting with weekly sessions, reduced to fortnightly, then check-ins every three months
How long will it take to see the benefits?
Depends on the individual, their problem, and how well they commit to their physio programme. I am proud to say that many of my patients come back to the second session feeling already much better.
What aftercare is needed?
Every treatment is different, but the aim is the same to allow you to go back to a balanced body, good movement and support you in your sports ambitions. Having regular massages (every four to six weeks) will help you maintain good flexibility and avoid relapses. If your problem has been caused by poor posture, check your workstation and car seat.
To book an appointment or for more advice, visit Swissphysio’s website.
STATION TERRACE, TYNEMOUTH, NORTH SHIELDS NE30 4RE
Tel: 0191 296 0567
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