How Sports Therapy Supports Women During Menopause

Menopause might be a totally natural part of life but knowing that doesn’t make experiencing it any easier. From hot flushes and night sweats to mood swings, muscle stiffness and everything in between, for many women it’s just…not fun! It typically starts between ages 45 and 55 and forewarned is forearmed. 

 

You really don’t have to just grin and bear it as you navigate the rollercoaster of menopause symptoms. Sports therapy can be a brilliant addition to your toolkit – giving you a gentle, structured way to manage your experience, ease any discomfort and take care of your overall wellbeing through the transition. 

 

Joint pain and tight muscles are sadly super common during menopause thanks in part to falling oestrogen levels which can mess with joint lubrication and flexibility. 

 

That’s where sports therapy comes in. Tailored exercise routines, especially ones focused on mobility and strength, can help keep your joints moving smoothly and reduce aches. Activities like swimming, yoga and Pilates are great options – low impact but high reward when it comes to staying limber and comfortable. 

 

 

Is menopause has turned your moods upside down, you’re definitely not alone. Hormonal shifts can cause irritability, anxiety and even low mood. Regular physical activity is a natural mood booster, so it just makes sense to include it in your menopause action plan. It helps balance stress hormones and can help you sleep better, both of which take a hit during menopause. 

 

Even better, group exercise sessions or classes add a social element, keeping things fun and helping you feel connected, supported and far less alone on this journey. 

 

We say it a lot, but consistency really is the key. A solid, tailored movement plan can really make all the difference. Think walking, swimming or cycling for heart health and stamina, paired with strength training twice a week to maintain muscle mass and protect against bone loss. (Osteoporosis is a common concern at this stage, so strengthening your bones is a must.) 

 

Don’t skip the stretching either, yoga and mobility work can ease stiffness and keep your body feeling balanced and agile. 

 

 

Massage isn’t just a luxury; it’s an essential part of many women’s sports therapy routines during menopause. It improves circulation, reduces muscle tightness, and helps calm both body and mind. 

 

There’s some science behind it, too. Massage has been shown to lower cortisol (that pesky stress hormone) and raise serotonin (your happy hormone). Not to mention, the relaxing atmosphere and human connection make you feel truly cared for, which can be especially valuable during this stage of life. 

Food matters more than ever during menopause. Your body needs the right fuel to keep your bones strong, your mood stable, and your energy up. 

 

 

 

 

 

Basically, treat your body kindly with what you put in and you’ll likely feel the benefits all over. 

 

Menopause doesn’t have to be something you just ‘get through’. With the right support – like sports therapy, gentle movement and a bit of self-care – you can feel stronger, more balanced and much more in control.