Osteoporosis is a common condition that affects 55% of Americans aged 50 and older, and more frequently affects women. In fact, women account for 80% of diagnosed osteoporosis cases. Osteopenia, (think of it as pre-osteoporosis) is categorized as the weakening of bones and is often the first step toward initiating testing and formal diagnosis of osteoporosis. If you’ve been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, improving posture and balance, and building muscle and bone through weight-bearing exercises can help you maintain bone density levels, reduce future complications, and fight osteoporosis.
What Are the Symptoms of Osteoporosis?
Unfortunately, there are typically no symptoms to warn you! For this reason, it’s referred to as a “silent” disease. Some people diagnosed with osteoporosis report unusual body or bone achiness, or an injury or minor accident, such as a fall, may lead to unexpected fractures of bones. For those with advanced osteoporosis, normal stresses such as bending, lifting, or even coughing can result in spontaneous fractures. This can make daily life increasingly difficult and significantly restrict movement.
Protect Your Bones Through Movement
You don’t need to have fractured a bone to start a physical therapy program. If you have been told you’re at high risk for osteopenia or osteoporosis, going to physical therapy now is a proactive way to help prevent this bone disease.
If you’ve received a formal diagnosis of osteoporosis, physical therapy is an effective non-surgical treatment that may help restore healthy movement, function, and bone strength. A physical therapist will teach you exercises for bone health and ways to manage your daily activities to lessen your chances of having an osteoporosis-related fracture.
How Your Physical Therapist Can Help
Your physical therapist will create a program personalized for you and your diagnosis. Along with a thorough evaluation, they will also take into consideration your overall health, age, fitness level, and your personal risk for fractures, to help tailor your rehabilitation program specifically for you.
In most cases, your physical therapy will include certain bone-strengthening exercises. This might include weight-bearing activities (including walking or jogging) or resistance training (such as weightlifting or yoga).
Another vital area of attention during your physical therapy will be to help you improve balance and posture. By improving balance, you can reduce the likelihood of falls, which can be the culprit of more significant injuries such as hip fractures or concussions. And with improved posture, you will take unnecessary stress off your spine, which will reduce your risk of spinal compression fractures.
Your physical therapist can even provide guidance on simple changes to make in your home and/or office to help keep you safe. They will also invest time during your care in educating you about safe ways to do everyday activities—from how to correctly lie down to how to sneeze properly—that will help you avoid fractures and fight osteoporosis.
GET ACTIVE WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY
The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) Clinician Guidelines to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis recommends physical therapy to “reduce disability, improve physical function and lower the risk of subsequent falls.” At Bay State Physical Therapy, we’ll work with your medical team to determine the most effective treatment plan. Together, we’ll put you on the best path toward stronger bones and healthier life. Take a proactive step to protect your future and call Bay State Physical Therapy today.
To learn more, call your nearest Bay State Physical Therapy location or complete the form below to request an appointment.
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