Menopause is one of the health concerns that women experience in their lifetime. It is a transitional phase that happens to them around the age of 50 (on average). This biological process takes a toll on the both physical and emotional well-being of the woman, yet physical therapy can help them manage menopause better.
Women know if menopause is about to happen through physical symptoms. These symptomsbinclude the usual body aches, headaches, bloating, joint pain, exhaustion, weight gain, and other symptoms exclusive to a woman such as sore breasts and vaginal dryness. Apart from the physical symptoms, it was mentioned that emotions take part in this process which is why women that are about to take the menopausal stage experience mood swings and difficulty
sleeping. If you experience these symptoms make sure to get an appointment for a consultation and seek assistance regularly.
The symptoms associated with menopause can be alleviated through physical therapy. Physical therapists need to analyze the effect of the symptoms on you so they could provide the most suitable advice to manage your menopause. They can provide various and specific treatments for every symptom your experience.
For muscle and joint pains, physiotherapists can guide you in doing therapeutic exercises that contribute to improving the strength and control of muscles and joints. These exercises help women to reduce pain by reducing the load on their joints. They also promote balance, bone density, and flexibility that would prevent them from falling due to weakness and body and muscle aches.
Physical therapy also plays a great role in addressing concerns about obesity, insomnia, and hot flashes caused by menopause. Aerobic exercise, stretching, and therapeutic massage can help women to relax and control these symptoms allowing them to have an improved quality of sleep. Some practical tips that physical therapists would advise are to eat a balanced diet that includes whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. To improve your quality of sleep, avoid caffeine and alcohol to promote sleep in your body. And, practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, massage, and progressive muscle relaxation.
Another common effect of menopause is urinary incontinence. This is related to the inability of menopausal women to control their urine flow due to the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. To help women overcome overactive bladder, exercises that focus on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles will be prioritized. Kegel exercises can alleviate the urgency and frequency of urinating.
Attending physical therapy sessions is very important to manage the symptoms and effects of menopause in aging women. And, the number of women who can allot adequate time to attend their physical therapy sessions is very minimal. It is important for you to find a physical therapy center that gives you the option to do home-based consultations like Tribeca Physical Therapy. They offer services catering to pelvic health and in-home physical therapy, so you could get car in the comfort of your home.
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