07/08/2026
Menopause isn’t just hot flushes... it can affect your muscles, joints and tendons too.
Many women notice that around the time of menopause they suddenly develop aches and pains they’ve never had before.
This is sometimes referred to as the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause.
Common symptoms include:•
Stiff joints, especially first thing in the morning
• Tendon pain (Achilles, tennis elbow, rotator cuff, plantar fasciitis, gluteal tendinopathy)
• Muscle aches and tightness
• Reduced strength and muscle mass
• Slower recovery after exercise
• Increased risk of tendon injuries
• Recurrent “niggles” that don’t seem to settle
• Reduced bone density and increased risk of stress injuries
Why?
As oestrogen levels fall, it affects collagen production, tendon health, muscle repair, inflammation and bone turnover. The result is that tissues often become less resilient and take longer to recover from the same activities you’ve always done.
Where can shockwave help?
Shockwave doesn’t “treat menopause” but it can be an excellent option for many of the tendon and soft tissue problems that become more common during this stage of life.
Research suggests it can help:
✔ Stimulate tissue healing
✔ Improve tendon remodelling
✔ Reduce pain
✔ Improve function
✔ Help stubborn conditions that haven’t responded to rest alone or injections
The best results usually come from combining shockwave with the right strengthening programme, load management and, where appropriate, discussions with your GP about wider menopausal management.
If you’ve suddenly found that running, the gym or even walking has become more painful than it used to be, don’t just assume it’s “getting older”. There is often a reason and there are treatments that can help.
📍Northampton Sports Therapy
📩 Get in touch if you’d like to find out whether shockwave therapy or a tailored rehab programme could help you get back to doing what you enjoy.
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