Empowering Self-Care and Resilience Through Physical Therapy

Menopause represents a neurobiological transition that profoundly influences cognition, mood, sleep, and pain modulation. For many women, these neuroendocrine shifts exacerbate chronic pain, fatigue, and decreased quality of life. Physical therapists are uniquely positioned to bridge neurophysiology and behavior by guiding women through evidence-based self-management, movement strategies, and motivational interviewing techniques that support whole-person health.

This session will explore the interplay between menopause, the central nervous system, and pain processing by highlighting the physiologic mechanisms of neuroinflammation, changes in estrogen’s neuroprotective effects, and their relationship to musculoskeletal and pelvic pain. Attendees will learn how to apply cognitive-behavioral and self-determination frameworks to foster self-care, adherence, and goal setting across menopausal age groups. The presentation emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration with behavioral health, sleep medicine, and gynecology to optimize outcomes and promote brain-body resilience. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to integrate these concepts into clinical practice through communication techniques, exercise prescription, and evidence-based patient education tailored to the unique needs of midlife women.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the neurobiological mechanisms linking menopause, pain modulation, and cognitive-emotional health
2. Identify assessment and communication strategies to address mood, sleep, and cognitive changes in menopausal patients
3. Apply motivational interviewing and goal-setting techniques to promote adherence and self-care in menopausal clients
4. Integrate interdisciplinary collaboration approaches

About the Speaker

Rupal M Patel, PT, DPT, PhD

Dr. Rupal Patel is a physical therapist, behavioral scientist, and founder of Alae Health LLC. Her research focuses on biopsychosocial and behavioral approaches to pelvic and women’s health, with a special interest in digital health. She has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications on pain, self-efficacy, and psychological determinants of physical function. As Principal Investigator on a National Institutes of Health SBIR proposal, she leads research on digital self-management interventions for women’s pelvic health.