Physical Therapy Today: The role of physical therapy in women's health

Ever since the #1 New York Times bestseller entitled “Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus” by John Gray was published, more and more people have asked the question “What makes men and women so different?” Gray’s use of analogies and metaphors to highlight key differences between genders has made the book a modern classic.

Although Gray’s work was focused on relationships between spouses, it is important to understand that there are several physical and physiological attributes that are unique to women, and physical therapy plays an important role in women’s health.

Three functions in particular, are unique to women. These include menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation. These functions are intricately tied to complex hormonal patterns in women, which also influence behavior.

Some of the fundamental physical differences between men and women include:

• Men have more muscle mass than women.

• Women tend to have a higher proportion of body fat than men. This fat is generally stored in the breasts, hips and buttocks.

• Men tend to have more body hair (especially facial hair)

Physical therapists understand the physical differences (and unique needs) of the female population and are uniquely qualified to assist women to live healthy, pain-free lives.

Specific actions need to be taken to ensure healthy aging for older women. Physical therapy can help identify (and eliminate) risk factors for falls and fractures. Regular strengthening and weight bearing exercise can slow down the reduction in bone density as women age. You may be asked to visit your physician to learn about the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Screening for calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiency is also recommended. Pelvic floor dysfunction and incontinence can also be treated with physical therapy.

Here are some of the conditions (some of which tend to be more common among women) in which physical therapy can play an important role:

• Osteoarthritis

• Osteoporosis

• Breast and other cancers

• Rehabilitation following breast surgery

• Lymphedema

• Post-menopausal heart disease

• Chronic myofascial pain

• Patellofemoral pain syndrome

• Hypermobility syndrome

• Multiple sclerosis

• Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction

• Fibromyalgia

• Ailments unique to female athletes

Physical therapy helps reduce discomfort and recovery before, during and after pregnancy. Pregnancy related issues includ heeling pain (plantar fasciitis), vsciatica, and piriformis syndrome can also benefit from physical therapy.

Exercises and techniques to treat issues specific to women include:

• Muscle retraining – This creates body awareness (how you get in and out of your car, how you bend to pick things up, how you sit, overall posture, etc.) and improves movement patterns. Kegel exercises to strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles in addition to Pilates can be very beneficial.

• Exercise Therapy – helps improve mobility, strength, and endurance. This also strengthens bones and joints.

• Modalities – Application of heat and/or ice, electrical stimulation therapy, and massage therapy to reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling.

• Manual therapy – helps improve joint and soft tissue flexibility and mobility by using repetitive and specific hands-on movements and motions.

Casey Cortney, MPT is a licensed physical therapist and owner of Sidney Rehabilitation & Wellness Clinic. Casey can be reached at 308-254-4979 or by visiting the website at http://www.sidneyrehab.com.