The Menopause is a significant transition in a woman’s life and it comes with a long list of changes – both physical and emotional. Things like hot flushes and night sweats are well-known but emotional and mental health challenges are sometimes overlooked. Anxiety, low mood, reduced confidence, and diminished mental clarity can be less visible symptoms, yet have a profound impact on daily life. That’s why it’s important to take a holistic approach to menopause care that considers the mind and the body.
At W5Physio we recognise the importance of this when treating any condition. We acknowledge the interconnectedness of mind and body, and when it comes to menopause, we take a comprehensive strategy to managing its various challenges. This is key for overall wellbeing and we’re proud to be helping women navigate menopause with greater ease and confidence.
We understand the many challenges that menopause can present and we’re lucky to have our dedicated women’s health specialist, Vicky Carey, share some of her expertise in this article. Committed to providing empathetic, effective solutions that address both the physical and emotional aspects of this journey, Vicky explores the benefits that an holistic approach to physiotherapy can deliver, enabling women to overcome debilitating symptoms and to thrive.
Holistic Approach: treating the mind and the body
As physios, we’re trained to look at our patients holistically. Our assessments, both in terms of the types of questions we ask and the length of the sessions themselves, allow us to explore all the issues the patient may present with, not just the physical ones. We know that physical symptoms can often have underlying emotional or mental health components. This is particularly evident during life stages like the menopause, which can trigger a wide range of changes in a woman’s body and mind. By addressing these interconnected aspects, an holistic approach to physiotherapy provides more effective and lasting relief from many menopausal symptoms.
For me, having a background in psychology, treating the mind with the body has always been a particular focus of mine. As a women’s health physio, I have the privilege of seeing women at all stages of their lives, treating and guiding them through the various challenges they are facing physically, as well as addressing the impact these challenges are having on both their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Menopause brings this interconnection between mind and body into sharp focus. Take the example of continence issues, which may have manifested for the first time during menopause or maybe have worsened during this stage of life. This physical symptom of difficulty controlling your bladder, can have far reaching consequences for your emotional and mental wellbeing. You may feel embarrassed, and increasingly anxious being out, for fear of having an ‘accident’. This is turn may cause you to reduce your social interactions, and overall time out of the house, which will most likely cause your confidence and self esteem to dip. The reality of prolonged periods at home, will then inevitably have a negative effect on general activity levels and fitness, resulting in potential increased weight gain (a common symptom of menopause in its own right due to a combination of factors including metabolic changes and increased cortisol levels which our bodies produce more of when we are stressed /anxious/tired), which in turn can have a negative on self esteem. The general deconditioning, both from reduced activity and reduced muscle mass that more readily occurs during this stage of life, may also adversedly impact on the existing increase of general aches and pains (a manifestation of reduced oestrogen receptors in our muscles and ligaments that happens during menopause) which then feeds into the narrative of a further reduction in activity and so likely, further isolation.
You can see the interconnected and spiral effect here, but the good news is that physiotherapy can help!
Benefits of an holistic approach to physiotherapy for menopausal women
An holistic approach to this example would encompass: firstly, providing the support, space and time for all the issues and concerns to be expressed and explored; secondly, assessing and treating pelvic floor health and any other related musculoskeletal issues; thirdly, incorporating relaxation and stress relieving techniques such as breathing exercises and mindfulness, and then devising strategies and clear plans with the patient, to enable a return to a more fulfilled and enriching life.
The symptoms of menopause vary between women both in terms of nature and intensity. In the above example, bladder changes were highlighted, joint and muscles aches were mentioned, as were confidence and self esteem issues. Other common symptoms are insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns, feeling more anxious, and brain fog.
In my holistic approach to treatment, I incorporate tailored exercises and techniques that improve strength, flexibility, and joint mobility, helping to alleviate common menopausal symptoms such as bladder and bowel control issues, muscle stiffness and joint pain and general deconditioning. The physical improvement achieved, enables women to regain or maintain an active lifestyle, which then has a positive effect on their mental and emotional wellbeing. The emotional and mental health challenges are further addressed through the provision of a supportive and empathic environment, the implementation of breathing and relaxation techniques and mindfulness and through setting out clear, attainable goals designed to encourage and boost your sense of well being. I’ve found that emotional support is key in helping women navigate the ups and downs of menopause more easily.
Beginning your therapy journey
Targeted physiotherapy can be a transformative step towards better managing menopausal symptoms and enhancing your overall wellbeing. Here’s how to get started:
- Book an appointment: The first step is to schedule a consultation. I’ll listen carefully to you and assess your individual needs and create a personalised plan that addresses both your physical and emotional health goals.
- Set personal health goals: I’ll work with you to establish realistic and achievable health goals. Whether it’s improving muscle strength or movement, enhancing emotional resilience, or boosting mental clarity, having clear objectives will provide direction and motivation throughout your journey.
- Integrate holistic practices into daily routines: I’ll recommend techniques that you can incorporate into your daily life. This may include tailored exercises, mindfulness practices, and relaxation techniques. Consistency is key, so try to set aside dedicated time each day to focus on these activities. Small, manageable changes can lead to significant improvements over time.
- Remember this a journey through this time of transition: as with many things in life, there is no quick fix but as we work together on achieving your goals, you will see results.
Reach out to me at W5Physio, for personalised help and guidance on not just surviving but thriving through menopause.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Vicky
