June is Men’s Health Month
Men have unique health needs and health risks. However, they are far less likely than women to see a doctor when something is “off.” Too often, this means that treatable conditions may go unaddressed. Knowing basic principles of preventive health and incorporating health and wellness into daily living can go a long way to maximize men’s quality of life and life expectancy.
Physical therapy for men’s health can help promote regular physical activity, offer preventive health information, and encourage healthier lifestyle changes.
What are some common men’s health conditions?
Life expectancy for men in the United States declined in 2020 to its lowest level since 2003. Factors such as unhealthy work and personal lifestyles, lack of access to health education, genetics, stress, and lack of exercise – in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic – have all contributed to men’s increasing risk for several common health issues. Among the top 10, it’s worth noting that heart disease, depression and suicide risk, COPD, diabetes, and injuries are risks for serious illness and premature death in men.
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death for American men. Half of American men who die suddenly of heart disease have no warning symptoms. One in three American men have some form of cardiovascular disease, and three million men are vulnerable to stroke.
- Men are more vulnerable to depression and suicide. These symptoms are likely to appear as physical issues such as racing heart, tightening chest, jaw clenching and grinding, headaches, and digestive issues. These often go unaddressed, leading to a downward mental health spiral.
- More men are diagnosed each year with lung cancer than the previous year, and African-American men face particular risks for this disease. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and increases risk across the board.
- Diabetes is a widespread problem that can lead to kidney damage, blindness, heart disease, and stroke. Men are more vulnerable to type 2 diabetes than women, but chronic low blood sugar can also lead to low testosterone and sexual dysfunction.
- Accident-related injuries affect men at higher rates than women. Men are more likely to engage in risky driving (such as driving under the influence of alcohol and driving over the speed limit), be involved in serious accidents, and more likely to die in a car crash.
The good news is that physical therapy can help support and improve the health of men who are vulnerable to these and other conditions.
How Fyzical - and physical therapy - can help improve men’s health
Let’s take a look at some physical therapy approaches that are beneficial for men.
- Physical therapy helps men get back in the game after sports-related injuries. Fyzical’s sports rehab program addresses many common injuries including knee, shoulder, elbow, back and neck injuries, muscle strains and sprains, and post-surgical rehab. Men who stay active have better cardiovascular health and overall fitness and are more likely to have better outcomes in the face of a serious health issue.
- Although often considered a women’s issue, pelvic floor health is important for men too. Pelvic floor therapy as a part of a physical therapy plan can address health concerns including pain in the groin, sexual dysfunction, low back pain, and urinary and fecal incontinence – all of which can lead to decreased physical activity and mental health problems.
- Low testosterone is associated with decreased sex drive, weight gain, depression, thinner bones, and reduced energy. A physical therapy plan at Fyzical that includes high intensity interval training and resistance training can play a role in boosting testosterone levels.
- Preventive care is key to improving health outcomes. Fyzical’s customized fitness and wellness programs emphasize goals such as maintaining healthy weight, core stabilization, pain reduction, increasing flexibility and range of motion, improving strength and endurance, and avoiding pills, shots and surgery.
- TMJ, or temporomandibular syndrome, is often an early indicator of mental and emotional stress and can be improved with physical therapy. Although genetics, arthritis, and poor posture can contribute to TMJ, a physical therapist can help with approaches that emphasize relaxation, stretching, and releasing tight muscles to bring relief and help restore normal function.
Improve your health with physical therapy at Fyzical
Physical therapy is for men of all ages and stages of life. If you’re ready to get started with making positive changes to your health, Fyzical is here to help with customized plans to address your individual needs and goals. Give us a call today!