Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal condition that affects many aspects of health, including reproductive, metabolic, and musculoskeletal systems, as well as psychosocial and mental health. While PCOS is primarily managed through endocrinology, physical therapy can play a valuable role in alleviating musculoskeletal symptoms and improving quality of life. In this article, we’ll explore what PCOS is, the symptoms associated with the condition, how physical therapy can help, and how it fits into a broader PCOS treatment plan. With this information, you can decide whether physical therapy is a treatment option you’d like to explore further.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, though its symptoms and severity can vary widely. The condition is characterized by an imbalance in reproductive hormones, including elevated levels of androgens (sex hormones that establish male characteristics) and insulin resistance. Common symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), acne, and weight gain.
The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is also a leading cause of infertility and is associated with long-term health risks, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome.
Musculoskeletal symptoms of PCOS
In addition to its metabolic and reproductive effects, PCOS can lead to musculoskeletal issues that impact mobility and physical comfort. Common symptoms include:
Joint pain and inflammation
Women with PCOS often experience chronic low-grade inflammation, which can contribute to joint pain and stiffness. This inflammation is linked to insulin resistance and may exacerbate discomfort in weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and lower back.
Pelvic pain
Pelvic pain is a common but often overlooked symptom of PCOS. This discomfort may result from ovarian cysts, hormonal changes, muscle tightness, or referred pain from surrounding structures. Chronic pelvic pain can affect posture, mobility, and overall quality of life.
Muscle weakness and imbalances
Hormonal imbalances in PCOS can lead to changes in muscle tone and strength. Insulin resistance and weight gain can exacerbate muscle weakness, particularly in the pelvic floor, core, and lower extremities, leading to poor posture and an increased risk of injury.
Reduced flexibility and range of motion
The combination of inflammation, weight fluctuations, and muscle imbalances can lead to a decrease in flexibility and range of motion. This can make daily activities and exercise more challenging.
How physical therapy can help
Physical therapy offers targeted interventions to address the musculoskeletal symptoms of PCOS. When you come in for an evaluation, your therapist will assess your needs based on how the condition is affecting your daily life and address those symptoms accordingly. By focusing on movement, strength, and pain relief, physical therapists can help individuals with PCOS regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve their overall well-being.
Pain management
Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to reduce pain, including manual therapy, myofascial release, and modalities like heat or cold therapy. Internal and external trigger point release can relax pelvic floor tension. Also, regular heat therapy relaxes muscles, increases blood flow, and reduces inflammation. This helps to reduce PCOS flare-ups as well as improve metabolic function to support stabilizing hormone levels. These approaches can help alleviate joint and pelvic pain while improving circulation and reducing inflammation.
Strengthening exercises
A tailored strengthening program can address muscle imbalances and build core strength, which is essential for improving posture, supporting and coordinating pelvic floor function, and reducing strain on the lower back and hips. Strengthening exercises may also enhance metabolic health by improving insulin sensitivity. Additionally, regular aerobic or resistance training can support a regular menstrual cycle and ovulation.
Flexibility and range of motion
Stretching exercises and mobility training can improve flexibility, reduce stiffness and muscular restrictions, and increase the range of motion in affected joints. This can make everyday activities more comfortable and reduce the risk of injury.
Pelvic floor physical therapy
For individuals with pelvic pain, specialized pelvic floor therapy can be highly beneficial. Physical therapists trained in this area can help reduce tension in the pelvic muscles, improve pelvic alignment, and address issues like urinary incontinence, which is sometimes associated with PCOS.
Weight management support
Physical activity is a cornerstone of PCOS management, and physical therapists can collaborate with personal trainers to design exercise programs that are safe, effective, and sustainable. These programs can support weight management efforts, which are often critical for reducing insulin resistance and improving hormonal balance.
Physical therapy within a broader PCOS treatment plan
While physical therapy can address the musculoskeletal symptoms of PCOS, it is most effective when integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan. PCOS management often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including:
Medical interventions
Endocrinologists may prescribe medications to regulate hormones, manage insulin resistance, or induce ovulation in individuals trying to conceive. Common medications include metformin, hormonal birth control, and fertility drugs.
Nutrition counseling
Dietary changes are crucial for managing PCOS. A dietitian can provide guidance on balancing macronutrients, reducing inflammation, and supporting weight management. A healthy diet can also complement the benefits of physical therapy by improving energy levels and reducing joint strain.
Mental health support
PCOS is associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression. Counseling or therapy can provide tools to manage the emotional challenges of living with PCOS, particularly when dealing with chronic pain or body image concerns.
Complementary therapies
In addition to physical therapy, complementary approaches like yoga, acupuncture, and mindfulness meditation can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Why choose physical therapy for PCOS?
Physical therapy is a non-invasive and highly individualized treatment option that can address specific symptoms of PCOS while supporting overall health. By improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing physical function, physical therapy empowers individuals with PCOS to lead more active and fulfilling lives. Moreover, the benefits of physical therapy extend beyond symptom management—it can also improve confidence, mental health, and the ability to engage in everyday activities.
PCOS is a complex condition with far-reaching effects on physical and emotional health. While it is primarily known for its impact on reproductive and metabolic systems, its musculoskeletal symptoms can significantly affect quality of life. Physical therapy offers a holistic and personalized approach to managing these symptoms, making it a valuable addition to any PCOS treatment plan. By working closely with healthcare providers, physical therapists can help individuals with PCOS feel stronger, move more freely, and regain control over their health. If you or someone you know is living with PCOS, consider exploring how physical therapy can support your journey toward better health. Moving, feeling, and living better is our goal for every patient at EW Motion Therapy - our team will keep adjusting treatment until you find relief and can continue your favorite activities. To learn more about what physical therapy might cost for you, click the button below to download our free pricing guide.
