Every time you visit your osteopath, especially during your first treatment, we ask a LOT of questions. The answers to these questions enable us to formulate a Diagnosis. Additionally these questions alert us to risk factors for different health conditions.
When a woman enters out treatment room we need to consider the below (along with other) health conditions that affect women more than men.
Autoimmune Diseases
For example SLE (Lupus), Grave’s Disease & Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Each of these have their own symptoms. Eg leg pain, numbness, visual disturbances, irritability.
Stroke
Risk factors are smoking and the oral contraceptive pill.
Heart Disease
This is the most common cause of death in women.
Breast Cancer
Younger women are falling victim to this cancer, it is very important to learn how to self-check your breasts and check them regularly.
Menstrual Pain
Often there’s a link with low back pain, which your osteopath can help you manage.
Osteoarthritis
Osteopaths can offer advice and help manage joints affected by osteoarthritis.
Frozen Shoulder
Also known as adhesive capsulitis, is where you lose range of motion of your shoulder joint, can be painful and limits activities of daily living. Also more common in those with diabetes and after shoulder trauma. Effects many more women than men.
Gall Bladder Dysfunction
Women particularly over 40, Caucasian and overweight are more likely to suffer from gall bladder problems. Gall bladder dysfunctions such as gall stones can refer pain to your right shoulder.
Urinary Tract Infections
Very painful and uncomfortable, antibiotics are recommended for treatment. Symptoms include stomach pain and pain around your side and sometimes to your back.
These are just a few health issues that affect women more than men. It is our job to listen to what you say and ask the right questions to rule out in or out the above conditions.
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This post was written by Dr Kate Locke.
You can find out more about Kate here or book an appointment with her here.
Alternatively, you can call the clinic on 03 9908 2844.
