Mar 18
World Menopause Day 2026: How Physiotherapy Can Support You Through Menopause
Chester Pelvic Health | Part of CoActive Physio
18 October 2026 – World Menopause Day
Menopause is a natural transition, but you don’t have to put up with uncomfortable symptoms.
World Menopause Day is an opportunity to raise awareness, break down barriers and encourage open conversations about menopause and women’s health.
At Chester Pelvic Health, part of CoActive Physio, we believe every woman deserves to feel strong, confident and supported throughout perimenopause, menopause and beyond.
While hot flushes, night sweats and mood changes are commonly associated with menopause, there are many other symptoms that receive far less attention — particularly those affecting pelvic health, bladder control, sexual wellbeing, muscles and joints.
The good news? Specialist pelvic health physiotherapy can make a real difference.
How Does Menopause Affect Your Pelvic Health?
During perimenopause and menopause, changing hormone levels, particularly declining oestrogen, can affect the muscles, tissues and structures supporting the bladder, bowel and pelvic organs.
Women may experience:
- Bladder leakage: Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising.
- Urinary urgency: Suddenly needing the toilet or going more frequently.
- Pelvic organ prolapse: A sensation of heaviness, dragging or bulging in the vagina.
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort: Sometimes making intimacy or everyday activities uncomfortable.
- Painful intercourse: Which may be associated with changes in vaginal tissues or pelvic floor muscle function.
- Bowel difficulties: Including constipation or difficulty controlling wind.
- Muscle and joint discomfort: Including back, hip and pelvic pain.
These symptoms are common, but that doesn’t mean they should simply be accepted as an inevitable part of ageing.
There is help available, and it’s never too late to seek support.
How Can Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Help?
Pelvic health physiotherapy is about much more than pelvic floor exercises.
At Chester Pelvic Health, a specialist physiotherapy assessment can help identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and develop a personalised treatment plan.
1. Improving Pelvic Floor Strength and Function
Your pelvic floor muscles play a vital role in bladder and bowel control, pelvic organ support and sexual function.
A specialist physiotherapist can assess how these muscles are working and guide you through an individualised exercise programme.
Importantly, not every pelvic floor needs strengthening. Some women experience overactive or poorly coordinated pelvic floor muscles, requiring a different treatment approach.
2. Helping With Bladder Leakage and Urgency
Bladder problems can have a significant impact on confidence, exercise and social activities.
Pelvic health physiotherapy can help through tailored pelvic floor rehabilitation, bladder retraining, lifestyle advice and strategies to manage urgency.
You shouldn’t have to plan your day around the nearest toilet.
3. Supporting Women With Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse can cause uncomfortable sensations of pressure, heaviness or bulging.
Specialist physiotherapy may help improve symptoms through pelvic floor rehabilitation, advice on managing pressure during everyday activities and appropriate exercise modifications.
4. Addressing Pain and Discomfort
Hormonal changes during menopause can contribute to vaginal and vulval discomfort, while changes in muscle function may contribute to pelvic pain or painful intercourse.
Pelvic health physiotherapy can assess muscular factors, provide appropriate treatment and work alongside your GP or menopause specialist where medical treatment may also be beneficial.
5. Keeping You Strong and Active
Menopause can be associated with changes in muscle mass, bone health and joint symptoms.
Staying physically active is important for long-term health and wellbeing.
Physiotherapy can help you build strength, improve movement, manage musculoskeletal discomfort and return confidently to activities you enjoy.
What Is a Menopause MOT?
At Chester Pelvic Health, we recognise that menopause affects every woman differently.
A Menopause MOT with a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist offers an opportunity to discuss your concerns, explore your pelvic health and identify ways to improve your symptoms and wellbeing.
Depending on your individual needs, your assessment may include:
- A detailed discussion about your symptoms and health history.
- Assessment of bladder, bowel and pelvic floor function.
- Pelvic floor muscle assessment, where appropriate and with your consent.
- Review of posture, movement, strength and exercise.
- Advice on managing menopausal pelvic health symptoms.
- A personalised rehabilitation and exercise plan.
- Recommendations for further medical support where needed.
Whether you are experiencing symptoms or simply want to understand how to protect your pelvic health as you age, specialist advice can be valuable.
It’s Time to Talk About Menopause
For too long, women have been encouraged to accept bladder leakage, pelvic discomfort and changes in sexual wellbeing as simply part of getting older.
At Chester Pelvic Health, we want to change that conversation.
Menopause is a new stage of life, and women deserve access to the information, reassurance and specialist healthcare needed to navigate it confidently.
You don’t have to suffer in silence, and you don’t have to stop doing the things you love.
This World Menopause Day, Put Your Pelvic Health First
If you’re experiencing bladder problems, pelvic floor symptoms, pelvic pain or changes in your physical wellbeing during menopause, we’re here to help.
Our specialist pelvic health physiotherapy service provides a supportive, confidential environment where your concerns will be listened to and your treatment tailored to you.
Book Your Menopause MOT
Chester Pelvic Health – Part of CoActive Physio
Grove House
Marlborough Court
Vicars Cross Road
Chester CH3 5YD
Telephone: 07919 411845
Email: sarah@coactivephysio.co.uk
Stronger Bodies, Brighter Lives.
This article provides general health information and is not a substitute for an individual medical assessment. New or persistent symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional.
