Buckhead dermatologist Dr. Corinne Erickson found herself at the intersection of several physical challenges - perimenopausal joint and muscle pain, the need to rebuild muscle for bone protection and managing Type 1 Diabetes. To top it off, perimenopause also brought on insulin resistance.
It began when the forty-something physician visited her physical therapist for neck spasms. During the session, the therapist discovered a problem with her right shoulder.
“My range of motion was significantly reduced, so we started a regular cadence of dry needling and gentle stretching exercises,” Dr. Erickson explained.
The injury had happened during yoga - her longtime fitness routine - and once she stopped practicing, everything seemed to tighten up.
“I ached when I slept, when I climbed stairs. And running - my old friend that helped me manage decades of Type 1 Diabetes and stress - was out of the question because of my lower back,” she said.
Recognizing the signs of musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause - a mix of muscle loss, bone density decline, and dropping estrogen - Dr. Erickson knew she needed a serious reset.
Now, she’s embracing a home-based, self-paced fitness plan that includes strength training three times a week, cardio five times a week and mind-body balance with Pilates or yoga two times a week.
How does a busy doctor, mom of two, wife and dog owner make it happen?
“Everyone joins in when they can,” she laughs. “We’ve traded screen time for mat time, and even the puppies are trying their best downward dog.”