Physical Therapy for Osteoporosis

physical-therapy-for-osteoporosis Dec10th 2019

Are you experiencing a thinning of your bones, due to osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a very common condition that mostly affects women, especially after the age of 40. In fact, 80% of osteoarthritis diagnoses are for women. 

 

The meaning of osteoporosis translates to “porous bones,” as this condition causes bones that were once strong to become frail and fragile. This occurs when the bones are no longer able to hold as much calcium, which is an important mineral that keeps the bones strong. As more calcium becomes released from the bones than what is put in, it is important to keep problem areas strong, especially in the spine and hips.

 

If you are suffering from osteoporosis, you are at a higher risk of developing fractures from ordinary, everyday activities. When osteoporosis affects the spine, it can result in a compression fracture that may lead to the crumbling of bone. This can make daily life increasingly difficult, as you may not be able to move around as freely as they used to. 

 

Fortunately, physical therapy for osteoporosis can help strengthen those problem areas so you can reclaim your life. Contact Professional Care Physical Therapy in Patchogue, NY today to find out how our services can benefit you!

 

Osteoporosis treatment:

 

Many of the issues surrounding osteoporosis can be addressed through strengthening exercises, a good walking program, proper nutrition, and/or medication as needed.

 

Since strengthening is a critical part of osteoporosis management, physical therapy is an effective method of treatment. Physical therapists are experts in preparing a coordinated, easy-to-do exercise programs to target specific osteoporotic areas. 

 

It is common that people living with osteoporosis will have limited spinal and hip movement, which increases the stresses on bones. Your physical therapist will determine the best course of treatment for you, in order to address these limitations and restore your body to its optimum state of function.

 

What can I expect?

 

Physical therapy for osteoporosis will include gentle stretches and exercises that will become more intensive with time, in order to help strengthen the affected areas. Your physical therapist will also focus on postural improvement to decrease stress on certain areas, as well as nutritional education to add more calcium and bone-strengthening foods into your diet. Additional methods and modalities may be included as needed, at the discretion of your physical therapist.



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