The Hidden Connection: Hormones, Joint Pain, and Why Physical Therapy Matters During Menopause

If you have unexplained joint pain, muscle stiffness or are becoming less mobile, your hormones may be more of a factor than you know. Musculoskeletal health can be susceptible to hormonal changes, based on current research — in particular during perimenopause and menopause. As physical therapists in women’s health, we see the evidence of this connection more and more every day.

We sat down with Jenna Perkins, a women’s health specialist Nurse Practitioner to talk more about women’s health, hormones and why there are often answers to problems and pain that just aren’t going away. Check out the full video here. 

If you’d like to find out more about Jenna Perkins and her practice, you can find out more here.

Understanding the Hormone-Joint Connection

"You have hormone receptors in your joints," explains Jenna. "Estrogen is really going to be protective and help build collagen in those joints. When you are experiencing estrogen loss, then you will have that subsequent stiffness and joint pain." This condition, known as the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause, affects many women but often goes unrecognized.

Why Traditional Treatment May Not Be Enough

Many women come for treatment of frozen shoulders, chronic back pain, or hip stiffness without the knowledge that hormones are an issue. Traditional physical therapy can help, but the first step is to understand the hormonal component, allowing for more focused and effective treatment approaches.

Signs Your Joint Pain Might Be Hormone-Related

Common symptoms include:

• Morning stiffness that improves with movement

• Symmetric joint pain (affecting both sides)

• Changes in flexibility and range of motion

• Increased difficulty with everyday tasks

• Joint pain accompanied by other menopause symptoms

The Role of Physical Therapy in Hormonal Health

As physical therapists specializing in women’s health, we know that addressing hormone-induced joint pain requires a holistic perspective:

1. Targeted Strength Training - Research indicates that gaining muscle mass is essential during and after menopause. Tailored physical training assists in retaining bone density and joint well-being, ultimately promoting overall strength.

2. Holistic Approach - Your health care providers should consider the full picture, including stress, sleep, hormonal changes, lifestyle factors, exercise routine, and many others. Most health professionals only examine a few pieces of the puzzle.

3. Manual Therapy Techniques - Hands-on treatment modalities can treat joint and muscle stiffening caused by hormonal fluctuations.

   
   

The Importance of Early Intervention

“A lot of these people aren’t even recognizing the stiffness or the joint pain because it seems so subtle,” explains Perkins. This is where physical therapy can play a critical role. Early intervention can help:

• Preserve muscle mass & strength

• Improve mobility and function

• Reduce pain and discomfort

• Get your lifestyle back - whether it’s exercise, sexual, or just living a life that you enjoy

The Power of Combined Care

The most successful treatment usually requires cooperation among health care providers. An approach that includes both a women’s health physical therapist and hormone specialist can offer a comprehensive plan for joint pain that addresses mechanics in conjunction with hormones.

Taking Action: Next Steps

If you’re having joint pain or stiffness, particularly in perimenopause or menopause:

• Book an appointment with a women's health physical therapist

• Use symptom-tracking tools, such as MenopauseChecklist

• Consider whether changes in hormones might be impacting the way you move

• Joint pain is not a “normal part of aging”

Physical Therapy: Your Partner in Hormone-Related Joint Health

At District Performance & Physio, our specialized women's health physical therapists understand the complex relationship between hormones and joint health. We help you develop a customized treatment plan based on your symptoms and circumstances.

“A lot of the things we attribute to aging is actually caused by hormone decline,” Perkins reiterates. You don’t have to resign yourself to joint pain and stiffness — not with the right combination of physical therapy and health care support.

Do you want to cure your joint pain caused by hormone imbalance? Call our women’s health physical therapy team today to request an evaluation and begin your path to increased mobility and strength.

Contact us here and speak to any of our women’s health specialists!