Osteoporosis and PT

Definition: Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by low-bone density (thickness of the bone), decreased bone strength, and a change in the bone structure, which can lead to an increased risk of fracture.

Risk Factors:

Noncontrollable Risks

• Female gender
• Small frame
• Advanced age
• Hormone levels
• Genetics
• Predisposing medical conditions

Controllable Risks

• Cigarette smoking
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Inactive lifestyle
• Excessive caffeine intake
• Lack of weight-bearing exercise
• Drugs (eg, steroids, heparin)
• Poor health
• Low weight
• Calcium-poor diet
• Low vitamin D levels

How can a Physical Therapist help?

Your physical therapist can develop a specific program based on your individual needs to help improve your overall bone health, keep your bones healthy, and help you avoid fracture. Your physical therapist may teach you:

• Specific exercises to build bone or decrease the amount of bone loss
• Stretching to increase functional mobility
• Proper posture
• How to improve your balance so as to reduce your risk of falling
• How to adjust your environment to protect your bone health

Healthy bone is built and maintained through a healthy lifestyle. Your physical therapist will teach specific exercises to meet your particular needs. The exercise component for bone building or slowing bone loss is very specific and similar for all ages. Bone grows when it is sufficiently and properly stressed, just as muscle grows when challenged by more than usual weight. Two types of exercise are optimal for bone health, weight-bearing and resistance.

It is best for a physical therapist to provide your individual bone-building prescription to ensure that you are neither over- or under-exercising. Typically, exercises are performed 2 to 3 times a week as part of an overall fitness program.

Types of Exercise: Weight bearing and Resistance exercises

• Designed to your specific needs as a patient