Stay Strong and Active Through Every Stage
Your body continues to change throughout life, and the transition into menopause is no exception. Changes in bladder control, pelvic comfort, or sexual function may appear during this time, but they don’t have to become your new normal. If you are looking for support for perimenopause and menopause pelvic health in Worthington, Grandview, Westerville and Dublin, OH, Fitness Matters offers individualized physical therapy to help you understand musculoskeletal factors affecting these changes. Our goal is to help you stay strong, active, and confident through this stage and beyond.
How Perimenopause and Menopause Affect Pelvic Health
Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate, and menstrual cycles often become less predictable. Menopause is reached after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect tissues of the vagina, vulva, and urinary tract. Some people experience increased dryness or sensitivity, along with urinary symptoms such as urgency or frequency.
Pelvic floor strength, coordination, and function may also change over time. Aging, previous pregnancies and deliveries, activity levels, and other health factors can also influence pelvic floor health during perimenopause and menopause.
Physical therapy cannot change hormone levels, but it can address muscle function, movement, strength, and other factors that may contribute to pelvic health symptoms.
Pelvic Health Changes You May Notice
Experiences during perimenopause and menopause vary widely. Pelvic health symptoms may include:
- Urinary leakage with coughing, sneezing, exercise, or lifting
- Increased urinary urgency or frequency
- Pelvic pressure or heaviness
- Vaginal or vulvar discomfort
- Pain or discomfort during sexual activity
- Pelvic floor weakness or muscle tension
- Changes in bowel function
- Reduced core or hip strength
- Difficulty participating comfortably in exercise
- A feeling of decreased pelvic support
Some of these symptoms can have causes unrelated to menopause, so discussing new or persistent concerns with an appropriate healthcare provider is important.
Build a Strong Foundation With Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
At Fitness Matters, your physical therapist considers your symptoms in the context of your whole body, lifestyle, and goals. Your evaluation may include pelvic floor muscle function, core and hip strength, breathing, mobility, posture, and the movements you perform during everyday life or exercise.
Based on your needs, your treatment plan may incorporate:
- Pelvic floor strengthening and coordination exercises
- Pelvic floor relaxation techniques for overactive muscles
- Core and hip strengthening
- Breathing and pressure-management strategies
- Bladder and bowel habit education
- Urge-management techniques
- Manual therapy when appropriate
- Mobility and flexibility exercises
- Lifting and exercise modifications
- Guidance for safely progressing physical activity
Treatment is not limited to doing Kegel exercises. Some pelvic floor muscles need greater strength, while others may need help relaxing and coordinating effectively. Your physical therapist can identify what your body needs and build a program around your goals.
Keep Moving Into Your Next Chapter
Perimenopause and menopause are natural stages of life, but bothersome pelvic health symptoms don’t have to dictate how active or confident you feel. With one-on-one care at Fitness Matters, you can build strength, improve pelvic floor function, and develop practical strategies for supporting your long-term health.
Contact us today to schedule a pelvic health evaluation in Worthington, Grandview, Westerville and Dublin, OH and discover how physical therapy can help you keep doing the things you enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Urinary leakage may become more common with age and hormonal changes, but common doesn’t mean you have to accept it. Pelvic floor physical therapy can assess factors such as muscle strength, coordination, breathing, and pressure management that may contribute to leakage.
Absolutely! You don’t need to wait until menopause to address pelvic health concerns. Physical therapy during perimenopause can help address symptoms and support strength, mobility, and pelvic floor function as your body changes.
Physical therapy may help when pelvic floor muscle tension, sensitivity, or reduced mobility contribute to discomfort. Hormonal tissue changes may require additional medical management, so your physical therapist may recommend that you discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider as part of a comprehensive approach.
Are You Ready to Live Pain-Free?
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.
