Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause

As oestrogen levels fluctuate during perimenopause and menopause, the musculoskeletal system can experience various changes.

This can lead to conditions such as frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, and general joint pain. The decline in oestrogen affects the body’s connective tissues, making them more prone to stiffness, inflammation, and discomfort. These changes can result in pain and limited mobility, making it more difficult to engage in everyday activities and maintain an active lifestyle. The right Physiotherapist can make a significant difference.  

At Alara our treatments focus on improving mobility and reducing discomfort using manual therapy techniques such as mobilization, along with soft tissue release (with Dry Needling and cupping) to ease tight tissues and reduce inflammation. 

Visceral manipulation is also incorporated, addressing internal organs and their influence on musculoskeletal function, further enhancing your recovery and movement patterns. 

Regular exercise is recommended to prevent stiffness and support long-term comfort. Our Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists provide personalized education on achieving optimal movement, helping you establish healthy habits for the best results. This holistic approach will leave you feeling stronger, more comfortable, and improve your overall quality of life.

Common conditions we treat:

  1. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder is a painful condition causing limited range of motion and stiffness in the shoulder. This can become more common during menopause, as the body’s connective tissues become less flexible due to reduced oestrogen levels.

  1. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis, characterized by inflammation of the ligament at the bottom of the foot, is another condition that can worsen with menopause due to changes in connective tissue. It can cause persistent heel pain, which interferes with walking and standing.

  1. Joint Pain and Stiffness

As estrogen levels drop during menopause, women may experience joint pain, particularly in weight-bearing areas like the hips, knees, and lower back. This can lead to stiffness and difficulty staying active.

  1. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Recovery from surgery, such as hip replacement, back surgery, knee replacements, breast surgery or hysterectomy may be more challenging during menopause due to slower tissue healing and changes in muscle mass.

What is Visceral Manipulation

What is Visceral Manipulation and How It Can Help Women’s Health

Visceral manipulation is a gentle, hands-on therapy that focuses on releasing restrictions and improving the mobility of the internal organs and their surrounding tissues. This technique is based on the understanding that the body’s organs are interconnected through a network of fascia and connective tissue, and when restrictions or adhesions occur within these tissues, they can influence overall body function, leading to pain or dysfunction in other areas. For women, visceral manipulation can be particularly helpful as it addresses a wide range of issues from a full-body perspective.

How Visceral Manipulation (VM) can help Women

  1. Pelvic Health and Postnatal Recovery

Visceral manipulation is highly effective in treating pelvic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, Post surgical rehab, postnatal recovery and menopause.

 After childbirth, the organs and tissues in the pelvic region can become strained or misaligned. Visceral manipulation works to gently release any restrictions in the thorax, abdomen or pelvis that may have changed during pregnancy to improving mobility and function. This can help relieve rib pain, feelings of breathlessness or reflux, incontinence, prolapse, or scar tissue pain (such as from a C-section or episiotomy), and promote better recovery after childbirth.

  1. Menstrual and Hormonal Health

For women experiencing painful menstruation, endometriosis, adenomyosis or irregular cycles, visceral manipulation can provide relief by improving the circulation and mobility of the reproductive organs. By easing restrictions within the organs this therapy can help balance hormone levels and reduce pain associated with these conditions. This gentle manipulation can help decrease inflammation, promote lymphatic drainage, and encourage blood flow, offering a more holistic approach to menstrual health.

  1. Digestive Health

Visceral manipulation can also play a significant role in supporting digestive health. Many women suffer from conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, or gastric reflux, which may be linked to dysfunctions in the abdominal and | or pelvic organs. By releasing adhesions or restrictions in the organs, visceral manipulation improve peristaltic activity, reduce bloating, and enhance overall gastrointestinal function. VM can relieve symptoms and improve nutrient absorption.

  1. Menopause

For women going through menopause, visceral manipulation can play a crucial role in alleviating physical symptoms associated with this transition. As hormones fluctuate, many women experience joint pain, muscle stiffness, and digestive issues. VM can improve circulation, ease inflammation, and relieve these musculoskeletal discomforts that often accompanies menopause.

  1. Post-Surgical Recovery

Visceral manipulation is also highly beneficial for women recovering from various surgical procedures. Whether recovering from a C-section, joint replacement, back surgery, or breast surgery, visceral manipulation addresses the internal changes that happen after an operation.

Scar tissue and adhesions from surgery can restrict organ movement, leading to pain, limited mobility, and digestive disturbances. By gently releasing restrictions and improving organ positioning, visceral manipulation encourages healing, reduces pain, and restores mobility.

  • Hip | Knee replacement
  • Ankle | Elbow Surgery
  • Back | Neck surgery
  • Breast surgery
  • C-section | Episiotomy

 

  1. Stress and Emotional Well-being

Since the body’s organs are deeply connected to emotional and psychological health, visceral manipulation can also support stress relief and emotional well-being. By improving the balance and function of the organs, this therapy helps restore the body’s natural rhythm and alleviates the physical symptoms of stress, such as tension in the shoulders, chest, or abdomen. This can be particularly beneficial for women dealing with stress-related conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or anxiety.

Visceral manipulation is not just about treating isolated symptoms—it’s about supporting the whole body. By considering the relationship between the organs, fascia, and musculoskeletal system, this therapy offers a holistic approach to treatment. It works in synergy with other modalities like physiotherapy, myofascial release, and pelvic floor therapy, ensuring that every aspect of a woman’s health is taken into account for optimal recovery and well-being.

Whether you are recovering from childbirth, dealing with menstrual or digestive issues, or navigating the changes of menopause, visceral manipulation can offer relief by addressing the root causes of discomfort. By treating the body as a connected system, this therapy helps women regain balance, improve movement, and live with more comfort and vitality.

If you’re experiencing any of the issues mentioned above, consider reaching out to a qualified practitioner to see how visceral manipulation can support your health journey.

Pre-Operative Rehabilitation: Preparing for Surgery

Research shows that patients who are physically and mentally prepared before surgery often experience better outcomes and recover faster. This preparation, often called “prehab,” focuses on building strength, resilience, and confidence for a smoother post-operative journey.

Our Pre-Operative Rehabilitation Program includes tailored exercises designed by physiotherapists and exercise physiologists to ensure you’re as strong and well-prepared as possible. The goal is to minimize muscle loss, support the surgical area, and help you enter surgery in optimal condition.

Key Components of Pre-Operative Rehabilitation:

  • Targeted Muscle Strengthening: Building muscles around the area to be operated on, enhancing stability and reducing post-surgical muscle wasting.
  • Functional Conditioning: Improving overall strength, flexibility, and joint mobility to prepare your body for post-surgical demands.
  • Safe Exercise Environment: Offering a structured, safe environment for pre-surgery conditioning with professional guidance.
  • Educational Preparation: Educating you on what to expect post-operatively, including pain management, mobility aids, and the steps of the rehab process.
  • Stress Reduction and Psychological Support: Providing breathing techniques and relaxation strategies to reduce anxiety, allowing for a more positive surgical experience.

Pre-Operative Rehabilitation Benefits: A strong, well-prepared body responds better to surgery and can speed up recovery time. Our goal is to enhance your resilience, helping you enter surgery with confidence and the tools you need for a successful outcome.