The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause.

The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause (MSM) is a term used to describe the collection of symptoms that affect muscles, joints, and bones during perimenopause and into menopause.

The symptoms can onset as some of the first signs of perimenopause (the transitionary time between reproductive years and the cessation of menstrual years), in a menstruating person's 30's-40's, and persist when menopause has officially been reached (12 months after the last menstrual period).

The MSM occurs because of the dramatic fluctuations in hormones, particularly the extreme lows of oestrogen, because there are hormone receptors all throughout the body.

Symptoms may include weakness, pain, stiffness, worsening bone density, and include some common conditions such as frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, or plantar fasciitis.

Overall, many of these symptoms can significantly, negatively impact quality of life.

Some symptoms may also be linked to poor sleep, fatigue, and stress, all of which contribute both physically (actual, structural changes to the tissues) and psychologically (amplifying sensitivity to pain/reducing tolerance).

Management can include prescribed exercises, dietary/nutrition optimisation, adequate energy intake, and a focus on recovery and stress reduction techniques. 

Of course, menopause hormone therapy (MHT/HRT) can be beneficial too.

Annnnd.... soft tissue therapies like relaxing or remedial massage.

Here enters massage!

Massage can help physiologically and psychologically because it may

- ease muscle tension and stiffness (perceived or pathological)

- support healthy joint mobility

-improve lymphatic and veinous circulation 

-reduce stress, calm the nervous system and improve neurostransmitter activity

-improve sleep

-enhance body awareness (mindfulness of problem areas, in order to manage them before possible flare ups)

In summary, massage can help directly and indirectly to improve quality of life, and symptom management, during a potentially difficult life period for a huge part of the population.

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