women and msk Health

ByEstela Felan Updated on

Women’s unique MSK issues

The musculoskeletal system is made up of bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. It provides the framework of your body, influencing posture, your ability to move, and everything in between.

Men and women can experience the same MSK issues but some conditions are more common in women, or are unique to them. Hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy-related changes, and menopause all influence musculoskeletal health.

Research shows that women are more prone to back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and frozen shoulder. And because of how their hips are angled to allow for child bearing, they’re more likely to develop knee pain.

This doesn’t mean that being born female automatically sets you up for more — or more severe — MSK issues. It simply means that recognizing these issues may help you take better care of yourself.

Exercise therapy vs. physical therapy or just working out
Exercise therapy is different from “plain old” exercise, which — for the record — any type of movement can be beneficial for you. “The distinction is that ‘working out’ isn’t necessarily aimed at improving musculoskeletal pain symptoms,” explains Dr. Peterson. Exercises in an exercise therapy routine are more targeted.

Exercise therapy is also different from physical therapy. There are similarities between the two, but physical therapy is administered by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapy assistant. Like exercise therapy, it’s aimed at improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing overall physical function. Exercise therapy can be a significant component of physical therapy, but PT can include other interventions, too.

With Hinge Health, you can see their own licensed physical therapist who prescribes exercise therapy and personalizes and oversees their care plan. A personalized exercise therapy program can address any number of health issues that affect women, from arthritis to osteoporosis to everyday head-to-toe aches and pains. Whether you’re already super active or could use more physical activity in your daily routine, here’s how a simple exercise therapy plan can benefit your body now and in the future.

View the full article about Women and MSK Health.

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