Advice guide
Menopause Physio: Pelvic Health, Joints and Bones
Menopause brings changes that go beyond hot flushes. Falling oestrogen levels can affect the pelvic floor, bladder, joints, muscles and bones, and many people are not sure what is normal or what can be helped. Menopause physio looks at these physical changes and helps you stay strong, active and comfortable. This guide is general information and works alongside advice from your GP about symptoms and treatment options.
Pelvic floor and bladder changes
Oestrogen helps keep the tissues of the pelvic floor, vagina and bladder healthy. During and after menopause, some people notice leaking when they cough, sneeze or exercise, needing the toilet more urgently, a heavy feeling in the pelvis or discomfort during sex. These are common, but they are not something you simply have to accept. Pelvic floor exercises that are taught, checked and progressed properly can help, along with advice on bladder habits, fluids and lifting. Our pelvic floor physiotherapy page explains this in more detail.
Joint and muscle aches
Aching joints and stiffness are common around menopause, particularly in the hands, knees, hips and shoulders. Frozen shoulder and tendon problems such as outer hip pain also become more common in midlife. Physiotherapy looks at which joints are affected, how they respond to activity and what is keeping symptoms going, then builds a strength and movement plan to suit you. Staying active is one of the most useful things you can do, even when joints feel stiff.
Bone health
Bone density falls faster in the years after menopause, which raises the risk of osteoporosis. Strength training and impact exercise that suits your health help support bone, and balance work reduces the risk of falls. If you have been told you have low bone density or osteoporosis, our osteoporosis physiotherapy guide explains safe exercise in more detail. Your GP can discuss bone density scans and medication.
Staying active and strong
Many people find their usual exercise harder during perimenopause, with more fatigue, slower recovery and new aches. Rather than stopping, it often helps to adjust: building strength two or three times a week, pacing higher impact activity and allowing more recovery. A physiotherapist can help you find a routine that fits around symptoms and your goals, whether that is walking, the gym, running or sport.
What a menopause physio appointment involves
Your first appointment starts with a conversation about your symptoms, health, activity and what you want to get back to. Depending on your concerns, the assessment may look at your pelvic floor and bladder habits, the joints that are troubling you, strength and balance. You leave with an explanation and a plan, and you can stop and ask questions at any point.
When to see your GP
See your GP if you have bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, new pelvic pain, blood in your urine or a lump or bulge in the vagina that is getting worse. Burning or pain passing urine with fever needs a same day GP or NHS 111 call. Sudden severe back pain can be a sign of a spinal fracture and should be checked promptly. Your GP can also discuss hormone replacement therapy and other treatments.
Booking with our women's health service
Our women's health service covers pelvic floor weakness, bladder leakage and pelvic pain, including problems that start around menopause. Appointments are at Warren Road, Blue Bell Hill, Chatham ME5 9RD, with free parking, Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm. You can self-refer online or call 01634 757123.
Want a physiotherapist to take a look?
Need help with this? Book an appointment with Bluebell Physio.
Common questions
What does menopause physio involve?
An assessment of your symptoms, which may include pelvic floor and bladder habits, joint pain, strength and balance, followed by an exercise and advice plan that suits you.
Can physio help bladder leaks during menopause?
Pelvic floor exercises that are taught and progressed properly, along with bladder advice, can help many people. We cannot promise a result, but we will explain what is likely in your case.
Why do my joints ache during menopause?
Hormonal changes can affect joints, muscles and tendons, and aches are common. Strength and movement exercise often helps, and your GP can discuss other causes and treatments.
What exercise is best for bone health after menopause?
Strength training and, where suitable, impact exercise support bone, and balance work helps reduce falls. The right mix depends on your health, which an assessment can help with.
What affects the cost of physiotherapy?
The number of appointments you need is the main factor. Ask the clinic for current fees when you book, and check with your insurer if you have a policy.
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Covering the Medway towns