Women’s Health
The biological differences between men and women extend through many systems in the body. For example, bone mass increases more rapidly and peaks earlier in a woman than in a man. Women have faster heart rates than men and experience pain in different ways than men do. Even some specific diseases manifest themselves differently in women and men.1
Some conditions are unique to women, more prevalent in women, or more serious in women. Furthermore, there are conditions for which risk factors or interventions are different for women.
According to the National Institutes of Health, diseases that disproportionately affect women include: osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, temporomandibular joint disorders, and fibromyalgia.
Differences can also exist in subgroups of women. Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, for example, contribute significant disability to women of all ages but especially to women who are postmenopausal or older. Pregnant women are more susceptible to a number of musculoskeletal problems that include lower back pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and knee injuries such as iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome.
SSPT's approach to women's health
At SSPT, we are aware that women have unique musculoskeletal issues warranting special consideration in physical therapy and we tailor the assessment and treatment process accordingly.
Bring your children
You'll find a family-friendly atmosphere at SSPT. If small children accompany you on your visit, we offer a childrens’ play room so that you can focus on your therapy and relax in the knowledge that your children are in good hands.
1 Garnett C: What’s Next for Women’s Health Research? The NIH Word on Health report, April 2003. Available at: www.nih.gov/news/WordonHealth/apr2003/womenshealth.htm. Last accessed: August 14, 2007.
Learn about conditions that women can experience with pregnancy and aging:
