Many women experience symptoms during the menopause transition that may impact their quality of life. The majority of literature focuses on identification and medical management of symptoms that women experience during menopause (McGinnis et al 2008). Many of these symptoms can be addressed by skilled and integrative pelvic rehab, including vaginal atrophy, sexual health and pelvic organ prolapse, as well as the many musculo-skeletal health issues that may present during peri-menopause.

We will explore the research which supports the use of bespoke exercise prescription for preventing, managing and possibly even reversing some of the symptoms of bone density loss experienced during menopause (Sinaki 2010, Presinger 2009). We will also look at some menopausal health issues not traditionally in the remit of rehab, but where forward thinking therapists can provide an integrative, safe and effective/evidence based approach, such as menopausal weight loss, cardiovascular health promotion and mind body awareness.

Many women will turn to CAM (Complementary & Alternative Medicine) during menopause and may ask questions of their rehab providers - this course will discuss the evidence base and efficacy of the more common answers.

In this two day course, the therapist’s repertoire of clinical reasoning, manual therapies and exercise prescription will be developed, along with an exploration of integrative approaches, including CAM, yoga and nutrition pertaining to the management of menopausal symptoms. Participants will gain an understanding of the changing hormonal profiles of the menopausal woman, but will also appreciate the long term implications of these changes, especially pelvic floor & sexual health and function, musculo-skeletal and bone density issues.

'Identifying the relationship of physical and psychosocial factors impacting quality of life will permit health care professionals to gain a richer appreciation of how a woman's life is affected by the menopause transition.' (McGinnis et al 2008)