How Massage Therapy Supports Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms- Relief by way of self-care at Ultra Connected Wellness

Tammy Kantor
Jan 19
4 min read

Updated: Jan 19

I left a wonderful full-day seminar called Not Your Mother’s Menopause on January 11 feeling deeply affirmed in something I already see every week in my practice. Midlife bodies are not broken, dramatic, or failing. They are adapting. And they deserve care that is attuned, informed, and responsive to what is actually happening beneath the surface.

Joint pain, inflammation, bloating, digestive changes, breast tenderness, and nervous system sensitivity are not side notes of perimenopause and menopause. They are central experiences. Massage therapy does not replace medical care, but when delivered through a women centered, midlife informed lens, it becomes powerful support rather than a temporary escape.

Why the Midlife Body Requires a Different Approach

Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause affect far more than mood or temperature regulation. Estrogen fluctuations influence connective tissue hydration, inflammatory response, lymphatic flow, and nervous system reactivity.

Fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, joints, organs, and nerves, becomes more prone to stiffness and congestion as hormonal balance changes. When fascia loses elasticity and hydration, joint pain and restricted movement often follow. Massage helps keep fascia soft and pliable through slow, intentional pressure and gentle movement. This supports joint mobilization and reduces the protective tension patterns that often contribute to chronic discomfort.

Research consistently shows that menopausal women experience increased musculoskeletal pain and that manual therapies can improve pain perception and quality of life when treatments are delivered with consistency and care.

Nervous System Regulation Matters More Than Pressure

One of the most overlooked aspects of menopause support is nervous system regulation. Hormonal changes can heighten stress responses, disrupt sleep, and amplify sensitivity to pain and discomfort.

Massage supports the parasympathetic nervous system, the state responsible for rest, digestion, and repair. When the nervous system settles, inflammation decreases, digestion improves, and fascia softens. Studies show massage can lower cortisol while increasing serotonin and dopamine, helping regulate mood, sleep, and stress tolerance.

In midlife care, effectiveness is not measured by how deep the pressure is. It is measured by how quickly the body feels safe enough to let go.

Bloating, Fluid Retention, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Digestive changes and bloating are common during perimenopause and menopause and are often linked to slowed lymphatic flow and chronic stress. Manual lymphatic drainage, or MLD, is a gentle technique designed to support fluid movement and waste removal throughout the body.

For many clients, the benefits include reduced bloating, a feeling of lightness, and increased urinary output, which supports bladder and kidney health. Research shows that even a single session of simplified lymphatic drainage can reduce cortisol levels and perceived heaviness. MLD is also strongly indicated for individuals managing autoimmune conditions where inflammation and lymphatic congestion are present.

This work is not appropriate for everyone. A knowledgeable therapist will always screen for cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions, pregnancy, active infections, or ongoing cancer treatments before applying lymphatic techniques. Safety and discernment are non negotiable.

How to Know If a Therapist Honors the Midlife Body

Choosing care during perimenopause and menopause matters. Not because something is wrong with you, but because your body requires thoughtful adaptation. Here are green flags to look for when seeking a therapist who truly honors the midlife body:

• A therapist who asks whether you want table heat or not and understands that needs may change mid session, especially with hot flashes or temperature sensitivity.

• A provider comfortable discussing both presenting symptoms and contributing factors without dismissing your experience.

• A therapist who creates a safe, non judgmental space where you can mention anything relevant, knowing they will refer out if something is beyond their scope.

• A practitioner who avoids overwhelm and prioritizes calming the nervous system quickly and effectively.

Specialized care is not about indulgence. It is about precision, safety, and respect for complexity.

A Moment to Pause and Reflect

Before moving on from this post, take a moment to ask yourself:

Where has my body been asking for more support?

Have I felt truly heard and accommodated in the care I receive?

Do I feel confident advocating for comfort, modifications, or boundaries?

These questions matter. Your answers matter.

An Invitation

If you are seeking massage therapy that honors the realities of the midlife body, I invite you to start with a conversation. Not a rushed booking. A dialogue rooted in safety, attunement, and individualized care. We meet you where you’re at in terms of communication preferences.

Text, call, email or virtual visit. You can also schedule a 15 minute visit to our office, in person.

At Ultra Connected Wellness, every session is tailored based on your body, your history, and your current experience. Modifications are built in. Sensitivities are respected. Specialty equipment is available to support comfort, including for breast tenderness or positional needs.

You deserve care that adapts as you do.

References

Genazzani AR, Gambacciani M. Musculoskeletal pain and menopause. Climacteric. 2023. PubMed ID: 39522476.
Chien LY, Cheng YC, Huang SY. Effects of massage therapy on pain and quality of life in menopausal women. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 2023. PubMed ID: 39337178.
Kurebayashi LF et al. Effect of simplified lymphatic drainage on pain, heaviness, and cortisol levels. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017. PMC5300821.
Field T. Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2014.
Torres Lacomba M et al. Effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. PubMed ID: 19243724.