Menopause Care & Physical Therapy in Chicago
Menopause is a natural stage in every woman’s life. With proper guidance and good motivation, every woman can turn these changes into an empowering and rejuvenating experience.
Excellent Chicago Physical Therapy for women going through Menopause
- Professional
- Personalized
- Precise
In some Asian cultures, menopause is often referred to as a “second spring.” With age comes wisdom and experience, similar to a classic car or a fine wine. You have experienced a full range of emotions, from love and happiness to grief and hope, while also juggling various roles and professions. Despite the challenges, you have learned to persevere and continue moving forward.
As you approach menopause, you may go through related physical, emotional, and social changes.
Perimenopause typically precedes menopause and can last anywhere from a few months to 10 years. During this time, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, which can lead to irregular menstrual cycles. Menopause officially begins one year after a woman’s last period and can last a couple of years, during which post-menopause may occur as well.
As the body transitions to menopause, various symptoms may manifest:
- hot flashes
- insomnia
- weight gain
- intimacy issues
- vaginal dryness
- urinary tract infections
- constipation.
A decrease in essential hormones like estrogen and progesterone can impact bone health, blood vessel elasticity, heart health and appearance, and general well-being.
However, with proper guidance from our team, physical therapy, and motivation, you can transform these into an empowering and rejuvenating experience. We help you strengthen the body, learn muscular relaxation techniques, improve circulation, and eliminate toxins, so you can reduce stress levels physically and emotionally, and regain control over your life.
Skillful & proven procedures for your health
We use a variety of modern tools and procedures to provide you with the best options to heal and revitalize your body.
INDIBA* Revitalize
Advance Core Physical Therapy & Wellness is the only licensed provider of INDIBA in Chicago. INDIBA® is the market leader in radio frequency treatments for reducing pain and accelerating the natural recovery of the body. The INDIBA device generates a safe, pain free, electromagnetic wave that introduces energy into the body. This causes bio-stimulation and a thermal effect, which complements your recovery and can improve results from your first treatment.
It involves using a handheld device that emits a high-frequency electrical current, which is applied to the skin and underlying tissues on the affected area/ pelvic floor region.
Treatment with INDIBA helps:
- Reduce incontinence, allowing for you to return to everyday life without the worry and inconvenience of leaking
- Improve the pelvic muscles ability to contract and relax, reducing pain
- Improve ejaculation control by ensuring the pelvic area is toned
- Manage chronic pelvic pain
The goal of Indiba therapy is to stimulate the tissues and promote healing and regeneration, which helps improve pelvic floor function and reduce symptoms like urinary incontinence or pelvic pain. The therapy is non-invasive and generally considered safe, although it may not be appropriate for everyone.
During an Indiba therapy session, your PT will apply the device to the skin in the pelvic floor area, and may use a variety of techniques to target specific areas of tension or dysfunction. The therapy is typically painless and may be combined with other forms of pelvic floor rehabilitation, such as exercise or manual therapy.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a technique involving inserting thin, solid needles into the skin and underlying tissues, with the goal of reducing pain and improving musculoskeletal function. The needles used in dry needling are similar to those used in acupuncture, but the techniques and underlying theories are different.
The goal of dry needling is to stimulate trigger points or other areas of tightness or tension in the muscles or connective tissues, which can cause pain, stiffness, or limited mobility. We insert the needles into these areas, with the goal of creating a local twitch response and triggering a release of tension or restriction in the surrounding tissues.
Dry needling is used to treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including neck and back pain, headaches, plantar fasciitis, and sports injuries. It can be used alone or in combination with other physical therapy techniques, such as exercise, manual therapy, and electrotherapy.
While dry needling is generally considered safe, there are some risks and potential side effects associated with the treatment. That's why it's so important to work with a qualified and experienced provider who has received specialized training in dry needling, and to discuss any potential risks or side effects before undergoing the treatment.
We are certified in dry needling with many more certifications in orthopedic and pelvic floor rehabilitation
used in physical therapy.
Dr Moise, Master Dry Needling Certification
Visceral Manipulation
Visceral Manipulation is based on the premise that movement is essential for life and any restriction within the body will affect our health. Visceral Manipulation (often called Organ Mobilization) is a hands-on gentle release of tension to the structures within the body, organ, fascia, nerves, blood vessels, as well as emotional tension.
During the procedure, your therapist will use gentle manual pressure and specific movements to improve organ mobility, enhance the body’s natural healing process, and relieve discomfort.
AlterG Treadmill Therapy
AlterG innovative Anti-Gravity Treadmill™ technology empowers people to move in new ways and without pain – to recover mobility, improve wellness, and enhance physical performance.
An AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill™ system will help you experience a level of freedom you may not have thought possible.
Whether you want to get back to life as quickly as possible after life changes or surgery, or you want to gain strength and endurance while managing a specific condition, chronic disease, or obesity – AlterG together with caring and thoughtful physical therapy can give you new power to achieve your goals.
The AlterG is a specialized treadmill used in rehabilitation settings that allows individuals to exercise with a reduced amount of weight-bearing on their lower extremities. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are recovering from lower limb injuries or surgeries, or who have conditions that make weight-bearing exercise difficult or painful.
How does it work?
The AlterG works by enclosing the lower body in an airtight chamber that creates a lift force, which reduces the amount of weight-bearing on the legs. The amount of lift force can be adjusted to match the individual's needs and goals, allowing for a gradual increase in weight-bearing over time.
Using AlterG for rehabilitation allows you to begin weight-bearing exercise earlier in the recovery process than you might otherwise be able to do. This can help improve muscle strength, joint mobility, and overall function, while also reducing the risk of further injury or complications.
The AlterG can be used for a range of rehabilitation goals, including improving balance and coordination, increasing endurance and cardiovascular fitness, and promoting muscle strength and function.
Real-Time Ultrasound
Pelvic real-time ultrasound (RTUS) is a diagnostic and treatment tool often used in pelvic floor rehabilitation. The technique involves the use of a specialized ultrasound machine and a small probe that is inserted into the vagina or rectum, allowing for real-time visualization of the pelvic organs and musculature.
We use pelvic RTUS to evaluate the function of the pelvic floor muscles, including their ability to contract and relax, as well as the position and function of the bladder, uterus, and other pelvic organs. Our PTs also use it to guide treatment, such as biofeedback or pelvic floor muscle exercises, by allowing us to see the muscles contracting in real-time on a screen.
Pelvic RTUS is a non-invasive and generally well-tolerated procedure, which we use together with other diagnostic or treatment techniques, such as pelvic floor muscle assessment or manual therapy.
Low-Pressure Fitness
Low Pressure Fitness (LPF) is a therapeutic exercise approach that combines breathing techniques, postural re-education, and core muscle training to improve the function and health of the pelvic floor muscles, core muscles, and respiratory system. We use a specialized breathing device called an AirBelt to facilitate proper breathing mechanics and support the core muscles during exercise.
LPF improves the strength and coordination of the pelvic floor and core muscles, improves breathing function, and reduces symptoms such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and lower back pain.
We work with you to perform LPF exercises in various positions, such as standing, sitting, or lying down, and can adapt them to the your needs. The exercises involve gentle, rhythmic breathing patterns, along with controlled movements of the trunk and limbs.
The PTs at Advance Core are certified in LPF, and can ensure a safe and effective treatment. The specific treatment plan will depend on your needs and condition, and may involve ongoing maintenance exercises to maintain the benefits of therapy.
Dr. Moise is a certified LPF physical therapist, trained by Dr. Tamara Rial (the developer of the treatment program.)
Frequently Asked Menopause Care Questions
Physical therapy can be a great way to regulate the body during this transition and alleviate symptoms. Through exercises and stretches, physical therapists can help you maintain muscle mass, bone density, and overall physical function. Additionally, physical therapy can help alleviate pain and stiffness that can result from hormonal changes.
When it comes to menopause, it is important to remember that every woman’s experience is unique. Physical therapy at Advance Core can provide personalized care to address your specific symptoms and concerns.
A physical therapist can work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs, focusing on strengthening and flexibility exercises that will help regulate your body and ease your transition. With the right guidance and support, you can go through menopause naturally and with greater ease.
Menopause itself is a natural and normal process that every woman experiences as they age. However, menopause can be accompanied by unpleasant side effects such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and decreased sex drive.
Fortunately, there are ways to manage these symptoms effectively, and physical therapy is one of them! Physical therapy can provide a holistic approach to managing the side effects of menopause by helping to regulate the body and alleviate pain and stiffness. Customized exercises and stretches help you maintain muscle mass, bone density, and overall physical function.
In addition to physical therapy, there are many holistic approaches that can help manage the symptoms of menopause. These include practices such as dry needling acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and dietary changes.
After menopause, it’s as important as ever to prioritize your health and well-being. Even though the symptoms of menopause may have subsided, maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent future health issues.
Due to hormonal changes, you may be at increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. To help maintain healthy bones, it’s important to engage in correct exercises with a skilled physical therapist, eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and quit smoking. Make sure to continue regular health screenings, including mammograms and colonoscopies, to detect any potential issues early.
post-menopause care should include maintaining a healthy weight and preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease — which can be achieved through regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management techniques (like meditation or yoga).
By taking a proactive approach to post-menopause care, you can enjoy an empowered and fulfilling life well into your golden years. Remember, it’s never too late to prioritize your health and well-being!
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