Hip Pain and Aches in Menopause: How Functional Medicine and Structural Therapies Can Help You Feel Like Yourself Again
By Dr. Shannon O'Keefe, DC, DCBCN
and Dr. Janell Matz, DC, DCBCN, Acu Dipl, CMT
O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic – Saint Paul, MN
651 292 8072 | www.improveurhealth.com
Is Menopause Making Your Hips Hurt? You’re Not Alone
If you're in or approaching menopause and noticing new aches, especially in your hips, joints, or tendons, you’re not imagining things. Hormonal shifts during this time can lead to joint stiffness, tenosynovitis, muscle tension, and hip pain that can feel frustratingly persistent.
At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic in Saint Paul, we help women just like you reclaim their comfort and mobility using a whole body approach that combines advanced functional medicine and cutting edge hands on therapies.
Why Does Menopause Trigger Joint Pain, Especially in the Hips
As estrogen levels drop, your body’s natural anti inflammatory protection declines. This can lead to:
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Joint pain and stiffness, especially in weight bearing areas like the hips
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Tendon irritation such as tenosynovitis, bursitis, or frozen shoulder
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Reduced collagen production, which affects flexibility and tissue repair
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Increased sensitivity to stress, including nervous system hyperactivity
The result is that you might wake up with tight hips, ache after sitting too long, or feel sore even without a clear injury.
What is Tenosynovitis and How is it Connected to Menopause
Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the sheath surrounding a tendon. Common symptoms include:
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Pain or tenderness around joints such as hips, wrists, ankles, shoulders
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Swelling or stiffness in the morning
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A creaky or snapping sensation with movement
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Burning or aching that worsens with use
Estrogen helps regulate inflammation, fluid retention, and tissue elasticity, so its decline in menopause can make tendons more prone to friction and irritation.
A Functional Medicine Perspective with Dr. Shannon O’Keefe
As a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist and expert in Internal Diagnosis, Dr. Shannon O’Keefe looks at your entire hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory ecosystem to get to the root of your pain.
Here’s what she investigates:
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Estrogen progesterone imbalances
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Cortisol and stress hormone patterns
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Underlying thyroid or autoimmune activity
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Nutrient deficiencies such as magnesium, B6, and omega 3s
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Food sensitivities that increase inflammation
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GI and liver detox pathways that affect estrogen metabolism
What we do about it:
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Personalized lab testing for hormones, micronutrients, stool analysis, and food sensitivities
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Nutrition and supplement plans to reduce inflammation
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Gut healing protocols to rebalance estrogen
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Stress support for adrenal resilience
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Targeted lifestyle coaching for mobility and sleep
When you treat the root cause, healing naturally follows.
A Structural and Bodywork Perspective with Dr. Janell Matz
As a Chiropractic Physician, Clinical Nutritionist, Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Acupuncturist, and Diplomate in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Janell Matz brings over two decades of experience combining chiropractic care, deep tissue therapy, and Eastern medicine techniques to help restore balance and mobility, especially in those stubborn menopausal aches.
Here’s how we treat hip pain and tenosynovitis from a bodywork perspective:
Chiropractic Adjustments
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Realign the pelvis and lower spine to reduce joint compression
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Free up the nervous system to reduce pain signaling
Deep Tissue and Myofascial Massage
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Break up tight fascial adhesions
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Improve circulation to muscles and tendons
Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM)
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Targets tissue inflammation at a cellular level
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Reduces pain and boosts tissue repair
Ultrasound and Cold Laser Therapy
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Promote healing of tendons, bursa, and muscle layers
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Improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage
Heated Stones and Chinese Cupping
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Melt away tension while increasing circulation
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Remove stagnation and reduce inflammation
Acupuncture
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Balance hormonal systems
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Calm the nervous system and promote pain relief
It’s not just one thing. It’s the combination that works.
What Our Patients Say
"I thought I was just getting old, but it turned out my hormones were a mess. After working with Dr. O’Keefe and Dr. Matz, I can walk without pain again, and I feel like myself for the first time in years."
– Michelle D., age 56
"The FSM and cupping combo with Dr. Matz was incredible. I felt 5 years younger after two sessions."
– Carol M., age 51
Ready to Get Relief from Menopause Aches
You deserve to feel at home in your body again without relying solely on pain meds or accepting it as part of aging. Whether you’re in perimenopause, post menopause, or somewhere in between, we can help.
Call us at 651 292 8072 or visit www.improveurhealth.com
Book a complimentary consultation and let’s make a plan that works for your whole self — hormones, hips, heart, and all.
