Sex Differences in Injury Recovery

Despite recent debates in the public discourse regarding the differences between the sexes, biological males and females indeed have many different physiological characteristics and needs. The biological sexes differ chromosomally, hormonally, and overall physiologically. These are important factors to take into account when it comes to individualizing health practices. How might this translate over to injuries and recovery? There are generally two lines of thought when it comes to these topics, the first of which says that men and women are no different in these physiological life facets and the second of which says they are completely different. As is to be expected, the research bears out a middle-ground.

When it comes to the susceptibility of getting injured, the research shows that men and women do differ but only slightly. That is, men who are athletes get injured at a higher frequency than women who are athletes. For instance, in a study done on 1900 powerlifters (1), men sustained acute injuries at a much higher rate than women, even when training and competitive success were controlled. This is partly because, generally speaking, women have greater flexibility and range of motion than men. Further, it is also partially since women, on average, make smarter training choices than men (i.e., not ego lifting or doing more than necessary.). Hence, the main takeaway here for men…