It’s common knowledge that physical therapy can help with various health issues. When most people think of rehab, therapy for healing from an injury or surgery might come to mind. But osteoporosis is a lesser-known condition where physical therapy can have a huge impact. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this disease, read on to learn more about how PT can help with managing the possible challenges that could lie ahead.
What is Osteoporosis?
The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation defines osteoporosis as “…a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall or, in serious cases, from sneezing or minor bumps.”
Experts say bone density deteriorates with this disease. Since increased strength increases bone density, the benefits of a physical therapy program with strength-gaining as the core focus are extremely important.
Why Does Osteoporosis Happen?
Doctors say it’s linked to years and years of a diet low in calcium and Vitamin D, and in most cases, it started in childhood and lead into adulthood. The National Institutes of Health says other medical conditions can lead to an increased risk as well, like “endocrine and hormonal diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of cancer, HIV/AIDS, and anorexia nervosa.” Plus, lifestyle can be a factor too. Poor diet, low physical activity levels, chronic alcohol consumption, and smoking all contribute to an increased risk for osteoporosis as well.
The statistics on this disease are pretty staggering. According to Medical News Today, “Data from 2017–2018 shows that osteoporosis is common. In adults aged 50 years and over, 12.6% had osteoporosis of the hip, spine, or both. Among females, the prevalence was 19.6%, compared with 4.4% of males.”
The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation dives deeper, explaining that the word “osteoporosis” means “porous bone.” “
“Viewed under a microscope, healthy bone looks like a honeycomb. When osteoporosis occurs, the holes and spaces in the honeycomb are much larger than in healthy bone. Osteoporotic bones have lost density or mass and contain abnormal tissue structure. As bones become less dense, they weaken and are more likely to break. If you’re 50 or older and have broken a bone, ask your doctor or healthcare provider about a bone density test.’
What Physical Therapy Exercises Help With Osteoporosis?
Here at Physical Therapy NOW in Irving, our physical therapists create unique programs for each patient, so what is right for you or your loved one might not be right for the next person. Each patient comes to us with different physical abilities and needs. Depending on each person’s situation, a patient may be put on a program that involves both weight-bearing and resistance exercises, like weightlifting, plus exercises that involve additional physical movement, like walking, stretching, or perhaps yoga.
PT can be done in physical therapy office setting throughout the week as often or as little as necessary; however, if the patient’s discipline level is high, those in-office visits can be much less frequent. Doing the exercises on a consistent schedule is the key to managing osteoporosis effectively, so it doesn’t necessarily matter where they’re performed as long as you’re in safe surroundings and under the medical guidance of your physical therapist.
Physical Therapy for Osteoporosis in Irving, TX
If you or a loved one is in need of physical therapy for osteoporosis and you live in or around the Irving, Texas, region, call us today at Physical Therapy NOW to schedule your first appointment. We’ll check with your insurance company to inform you of any costs associated with your treatment. If you use Medicare, we’ll let you know if treatment (or how much of your treatment) is covered under your plan. We’re looking forward to working with you!
