When you think of pelvic floor issues, pregnant people or those who have recently given birth may come to mind. These muscles located at the base of your torso work extra hard during pregnancy to support a growing uterus, and may require additional care postpartum, sometimes in the form of pelvic floor therapy. But did you know that pelvic floor therapy can also benefit individuals during menopause? In this article, we will explore how the pelvic floor changes during menopause, how pelvic floor therapy can help alleviate common symptoms such as painful sex and urinary incontinence, and how to locate a pelvic floor therapist near you.
During menopause, many individuals tend to focus on maintaining the health of major muscles and bones such as the hips, knees, and back. However, the pelvic floor, which acts as a supportive “hammock” for the bladder, urethra, rectum, and vagina (or prostate), also requires attention. These muscles can weaken, leading to various sexual health issues. This weakening is often due to declining estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause, leaving individuals more susceptible to pelvic floor weakening, according to Margo Kwiatkowski, PT, DPT, a pelvic health specialist and founder of P4Moms in Ventura County, California.
The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for improving blood flow, increasing muscle bulk, maintaining tissue elasticity, and providing natural lubrication to the vaginal area. Without estrogen, these tissues can atrophy, resulting in a decline in muscle strength. Despite their important role, many individuals do not think about their pelvic floor until issues arise such as pelvic floor disorder (PFD), which affects 1 in 3 women, as reported in a June 2022 study in Scientific Reports. Symptoms of PFD include pelvic organ prolapse, painful intercourse, urinary or bowel incontinence, constipation, vaginal dryness, pelvic pain, and vaginal bulges.
Pelvic floor therapy, a specialized form of physical therapy that targets pelvic floor dysfunctions, can help address these symptoms. This therapy is conducted by licensed physical or occupational therapists with certifications in women’s health. According to Rachelle Larson, PT, MPT, a certified women’s health specialist, pelvic floor therapist at Corewell Health’s Beaumont Women’s Urology and Pelvic Health Center in Royal Oak, Michigan, pelvic floor therapy can cater to individuals of all ages, but is especially beneficial for those experiencing menopausal pelvic pain and other related symptoms.
Pelvic floor therapists can perform vaginal and/or rectal exams to assess pelvic muscle function and create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises and lifestyle modifications. They are trained to determine whether strengthening or relaxing these muscles is needed. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a pelvic floor therapist before attempting exercises independently. Additionally, therapists can provide guidance on managing menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness even after completing treatment.
Pelvic floor therapy can benefit individuals experiencing menopausal symptoms in various ways. Specifically, it can improve urinary incontinence, increase comfort during sex, alleviate pelvic pain, and reduce pelvic organ prolapse. Whether you are dealing with stress incontinence or urge incontinence, pelvic floor therapy can enhance the strength and coordination of pelvic muscles. Therapists may recommend exercises, breathing techniques, and lifestyle adjustments to retrain the bladder and improve muscle function.
Additionally, if you are experiencing discomfort or pain during sex due to vaginal dryness or structural changes in the pelvic floor, pelvic floor therapists can show you stretching exercises and relaxation methods to help restore comfort and function. Moreover, if you are dealing with pelvic pain postmenopause, therapists can provide manual therapy techniques and suggest exercises to improve posture and alleviate discomfort.
It is important to note that pelvic pain after menopause could indicate an underlying health issue. Therefore, seeking medical advice is recommended if you experience persistent pelvic pain. Overall, pelvic floor therapy can be a valuable resource for individuals experiencing menopausal symptoms, providing personalized care and targeted strategies to improve pelvic health and overall well-being.
