Topics in Physical Therapy — Osteoporosis

05.01.2013

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become more fragile and are therefore, more likely to break. In people with low bone  density, more bone is removed than replaced. Consequently, these people are at increased risk for developing osteoporosis and fractures.  Fractures occur most in the hip, back (spine), and wrist.1 Moreover, osteoporosis can be prevented, diagnosed, and treated  before a fracture even occurs.2  People older than 50 years have an increased risk of bone loss and fractures. In addition, one out of every two women and one out of every five men in the US experiences an osteoporosis-related fracture during their lifetime.1

Prevention of osteoporosis:

  • Firstly, see your health care provider for a yearly physical
  • Ensure that you have adequate calcium and vitamin D intake
  • Take prescribed medications for osteoporosis
  • Moreover, avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol intake
  • Weight bearing & strengthening exercises to help maintain bone strength
  • Balance exercises reduce the risk of  falls and thus reduce the risk of fractures
  • Finally, have good posture:  ears over shoulders, shoulders over hips, hips over knees, knees over ankles (1)

A Physical Therapist can prescribe an individualized program after a full examination is conducted

Avoid these movements:

  • Forward bending or hunching of the spine such as when completing toe touches or crunches 
  • Extreme back rotation as if straining to swing a golf club
  • Activities that place you at risk for falls

See your doctor:

  • Firstly, if you think you may have fractured your back (back pain)
  • Secondly, if you have a loss of ½ inch of height in 1 year or loss of 1 ½ inch from original height
  • Finally, if you have increased stooped or hunched posture (1)

Your doctor may recommend bone mineral density (BMD) testing if he/she believes you are at risk for having osteoporosis (2).  Ask your doctor for a PT referral to develop a safe and effective exercise program if osteopenia or osteoporosis are found.

1. National Osteoporosis Foundation and Karen Kemmis, PT, DPT.  (September/October 2010).  “Protect the spine through exercise”. Functional U: Exercise and Activity for Healthy Aging at http://www.nof.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/ICAA_Spine.pdf, accessed 2/1/2011.

2. National Osteoporosis Foundation.  (2010).  “Clinician’s Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis”. Pg 1-36.