Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, but the transition can bring unexpected physical challenges—among them, musculoskeletal pain. From stiff joints to aching muscles, these symptoms often go unrecognized as part of menopause. Discover how acupuncture in Calgary can offer lasting relief from musculoskeletal symptoms.
Understanding Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause
During menopause, declining estrogen levels can affect various tissues, including muscles, tendons, and joints. This leads to a cluster of symptoms commonly referred to as musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause, which include:
- Joint stiffness and pain (especially in the knees, hips, and fingers)
- Muscle pain or tenderness
- Decreased flexibility and range of motion
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- Frozen Shoulder
- Increased risk of tendon and ligament injuries
These symptoms can severely impact quality of life, often interfering with daily tasks, sleep, and physical activity.
The Role of Estrogen in Body Pain
Estrogen plays a role in maintaining joint and muscle health. When levels drop, it can lead to:
- Inflammation. Estrogen is an inflammatory regulator that helps prevent generalized joint pain. This pain often peaks in the early stages of menopause and has no specific MRI findings. Inflammation shows up as joint pain and discomfort that can be felt in any joint in the body.
- Sarcopenia. This is the loss of lean muscle mass. Decreasing level of estrogen causes shrinkage and loss of muscle fibres. It also leads to a decreased number of motor units and an increase in fat deposits within the muscle. These factors combine and lead to less muscle tissue and a decrease in strength. Loss of strength can lead to loss of stamina, difficulty performing everyday tasks, poor balance and increased falls.
- Cartilage damage. Cartilage contains specialized cells called chondrocytes. These cells are partly regulated by estrogen. Cartilage protects the bone ends within a joint. Loss of cartilage leads to osteoarthritis, which is a painful joint condition where unprotected bones rub on each other.
- Osteoporosis. Estrogen plays a key role in helping to maintain balance between bone production and bone resorption. With the loss of estrogen that occurs in menopause the body tends to pull minerals from the bone. This loss of mineralization leads to bones becoming more porous and brittle.
Taken together these changes increase the likelihood of discomfort and injury during and after the menopausal transition.
Why Calgary Women Choose Acupuncture for Menopausal Relief
Calgary offers access to a growing number of holistic and integrative wellness clinics specializing in acupuncture for menopause-related symptoms. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, involves inserting fine needles into specific points in the body to influence physical and emotional health.
Modern research supports several ways acupuncture helps with the stiffness and pain associated with musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause:
- Reduces Inflammation – Stimulating acupuncture points can decrease the production of pro-inflammatory markers.
- Improves Blood Flow – Needling increases circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and removing metabolic waste.
- Modulates Pain Perception – Acupuncture prompts the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
- Enhances Mobility – With regular sessions, many women report improved joint flexibility and muscle function.
For more information check out the blog post “How Acupuncture Works“.
What to Expect During An Acupuncture Session
An acupuncture session for menopausal musculoskeletal symptoms typically involves:
- A personalized assessment
- Gentle needle insertion (usually painless) at targeted meridians
- Sessions lasting 30 to 60 minutes
- A recommended course of several treatments for optimal results
- Lifestyle and dietary suggestions to improve results
Our clinic, Ren Acupuncture & Massage, is conveniently located in the Kensington neighborhood of Calgary. In addition to acupuncture we also offer cupping, gua sha, herbal medicine and massage.
Start Feeling Better – Naturally
Musculoskeletal pain during menopause is more common than many realize—and it doesn’t have to be endured silently. Acupuncture offers a safe, natural, and increasingly evidence-supported method to manage these symptoms and restore comfort and mobility. If you’re a Calgary woman struggling with stiffness, joint pain, or muscle aches during menopause, consider consulting a licensed acupuncturist to explore how this ancient practice can help you feel like yourself again.
Find out more about acupuncture for relief during menopause.
