Menopause Physiotherapy in Clapham

Falling oestrogen during perimenopause and menopause affects tissues throughout the body, not just the reproductive system. Changes physiotherapy can help with include:

• Leaking, urgency or needing to wee more often
• Vaginal dryness, soreness or painful sex
• A weaker pelvic floor, or heaviness and dragging
• Aches, joint pain and stiffness
• Back pain, and stiff or painful shoulders
• Loss of muscle strength and bone density

Physiotherapy can’t replace oestrogen, but it can make a real difference to how strong, comfortable and confident you feel, and it works well alongside HRT or other treatment from your GP.

Lower oestrogen affects the tissues that support the bladder and urethra, so bladder problems are very common around menopause.

Leaking

Leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise often appears or gets worse around menopause. Read more about urinary incontinence.

Urgency and frequency

Sudden urges, going more often and waking at night to wee are common. Find out about overactive bladder.

Recurrent urine infections

Changes to the vaginal and bladder tissues can make urine infections more likely, so speak to your GP if you’re getting them often.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), previously known as vaginal atrophy, describes the changes to the vagina, vulva and bladder caused by lower oestrogen.

Symptoms

Dryness, soreness, itching or burning, discomfort when sitting or exercising, and painful sex. Some women develop ongoing vulval pain, known as vulvodynia.

How physiotherapy helps

Pelvic floor relaxation, tissue care advice and practical guidance on lubricants, moisturisers and comfortable intimacy. Vaginal oestrogen from your GP can also help a lot, and the two work well together.

Oestrogen helps keep the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues strong and supportive. As levels fall, many women notice:

• Reduced pelvic floor strength and control
• A feeling of heaviness, dragging or a bulge, which can be a sign of pelvic organ prolapse
• Changes in bowel habits, including constipation or difficulty emptying

Pelvic floor weakness is common, but it isn’t inevitable. A tailored pelvic floor physiotherapy programme can rebuild strength at any age.

Aches and pains are among the most common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, and they’re often overlooked.

Joint pain and stiffness

Oestrogen helps maintain healthy joints, tendons and connective tissue, so stiffness and joint pain, especially in the hands, knees and hips, are common.

Back pain

Changes in muscle strength, posture and bone health can all contribute to lower back pain during menopause.

Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder is more common in women in their 40s and 50s, around perimenopause. Physiotherapy can help ease pain and gradually restore movement.

How physiotherapy helps

A thorough assessment, hands-on treatment where helpful, and a progressive exercise plan to reduce pain, improve mobility and keep you active.

Bone density falls more quickly in the years after menopause, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, and muscle mass naturally declines too. The right exercise is one of the best ways to protect both.

Strength training

Lifting weights or using resistance bands at least twice a week helps maintain muscle and supports bone strength.

Impact and weight-bearing exercise

Activities where your bones take your body weight, such as brisk walking, stair climbing, jogging or skipping, help keep bones strong. The right level depends on your bone health and pelvic floor.

Exercising with pelvic floor symptoms

Leaking or heaviness doesn’t have to stop you exercising. Olivia can help you adapt running, gym work and impact exercise so you can stay active safely.

If you have osteoporosis

Exercise is still recommended, but it should be tailored to you. Olivia will build a safe programme around your bone density results and any other health needs.

Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes and takes place in a private, judgement-free room at our Clapham clinic. Olivia will:

• Talk through your symptoms, menopause history, any HRT or medication, activity levels and goals
• Assess your posture, movement, strength and any painful joints
• For pelvic symptoms, and with your consent, carry out an internal examination to assess your pelvic floor. It’s always optional and fully explained beforehand
• Explain what she has found and agree a treatment plan with you

See your GP if you have bleeding after menopause (12 months or more after your last period), bleeding between periods or after sex, recurrent urine infections, blood in your urine, unexplained weight loss, or severe or worsening pain. Your GP can also talk to you about HRT, vaginal oestrogen and bone density checks. Olivia is happy to work alongside your GP or menopause specialist.