Women in Midlife: Perimenopause & Menopause
Physical Therapy For Perimenopausal & Menopausal Women
As women approach and go through menopause, the body undergoes significant changes that can affect pelvic health. Many women anticipate hot flashes, sleep disruptions, and mood swings, but fewer are prepared for the impact menopause has on their pelvic floor. Changes in hormones during this time can lead to symptoms such as pelvic pain, incontinence, and painful intercourse.
At Rehab For Her, Shannon DeSalvo, PT offers compassionate, specialized care for Kansas City women experiencing these pelvic floor issues during this important life transition. Shannon’s expertise helps women navigate menopause and address pelvic health concerns using proven PT techniques, empowering them to live comfortably and confidently.
Shannon believes that menopause and pelvic health deserve as much attention as other life stages like pregnancy or postpartum.
Her holistic approach focuses on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms, ensuring that you receive compassionate and individualized care every step of the way.
How Menopause Affects Pelvic Health
Menopause can feel overwhelming, especially when pelvic health concerns arise unexpectedly. Many women feel unprepared for this stage, often because menopause isn’t widely discussed.
During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels begin to decline. This decrease in estrogen not only leads to irregular menstrual cycles but also impacts blood flow and lubrication to the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor. T
These symptoms can make everyday activities uncomfortable and diminish your quality of life, but the good news is that pelvic floor physical therapy can help alleviate or even prevent common issues.
Common Menopausal & Perimenopausal Conditions
Pelvic floor therapy can relieve or even prevent common menopausal symptoms. Shannon helps women in Kansas City to overcome the following conditions commonly experienced during menopause and perimenopausal years:
Urinary Incontinence
- What it is: Difficulty controlling the bladder, leading to leaks during activities like sneezing, laughing, or exercising. Hormonal changes during menopause can weaken pelvic floor muscles, making incontinence more common.
- How it feels: Embarrassing leaks, urgency to get to the bathroom, or difficulty holding urine during normal daily activities.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- What it is: The weakening of pelvic floor muscles can cause the bladder, uterus, or rectum to shift downward (prolapse), leading to discomfort and pressure in the pelvic area.
- How it feels: A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis, discomfort while standing or walking, or difficulty with bowel movements or urination.
Vaginal Dryness & Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
- What it is: Hormonal changes lead to vaginal dryness, making sexual activity painful or uncomfortable.
- How it feels: Burning, itching, or pain during intercourse, which can affect intimacy and quality of life.
Chronic Pelvic Pain
- What it is: Persistent pain in the pelvic area due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, changes in hormone levels, or muscle tension.
- How it feels: Ongoing pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or lower back that can interfere with daily life.
Bowel Issues
- What it is: Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements, often linked to changes in pelvic floor function during menopause.
- How it feels: Straining during bowel movements, discomfort, or an ongoing feeling of incomplete evacuation.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help
Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles
Strengthening exercises target weakened pelvic floor muscles, helping reduce symptoms of incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
Managing Incontinence
Physical therapy can teach bladder training techniques and exercises that reduce leaks without the need for surgery or medications.
Improving Sexual Function
Manual therapy, pelvic floor relaxation techniques, and personalized exercises can help reduce pain and improve comfort during intimacy.
Addressing Pelvic Pain
Techniques to release tight muscles and improve pelvic floor function can ease chronic pelvic pain and provide lasting relief.
Education & Lifestyle Adjustments
Shannon also provides guidance on postural changes, body mechanics, and lifestyle adjustments that can help improve overall pelvic health during menopause.
Empowering You Through Menopause
Shannon is very knowledgeable about the pelvic floor and potential issues that you may be dealing with.
I have learned a ton from her, and she has pointed me to good books on the subject and companies that specialize in products that help with pelvic pain. Would definitely recommend.
Shannon is passionate about supporting women through menopause and beyond. Whether you're in the early stages of perimenopause or have been post-menopausal for years, Shannon will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Her personalized approach not only improves pelvic health but also boosts overall well-being, helping you stay active, comfortable, and confident as you move into this new stage of life.
Menopause doesn’t have to feel like a mystery, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Rehab For Her, Shannon DeSalvo is here to guide you through the changes in your body and help you embrace this next chapter with strength and confidence.