What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition characterised by low bone density, therefore making the bone brittle and fragile. This occurs as we get older and less new bone is laid down to restore old bone. As we age, it is also natural for our balance and strength to decline quickly if we do not exercise to combat this progression. Worldwide, 1 out of 3 women over 50 years old will have an osteoporotic fracture. 1 in 5 males over the age of 50 will experience an osteoporotic fracture. This leads to a significant decrease in quality of life, increasing disability, mortality and morbidity.
Clinical signs and symptoms:
- Compression fracture of the spine
- Decrease in height
- Bone fractures
- Back pain: episodic, acute low thoracic/ high lumbar pain
- Dowager’s hump
It is recommended that healthy individuals without risk factors should start to be screened at the age of 65 for women and the age of 70 for men. Those who have multiple risk factors should be screened for it earlier. Patients with a diagnosis of osteoporosis should have lab assessments of their renal and thyroid function, calcium level and a DEXA scan.
Risk factors:
- Thin body build
- An absence of menses
- Long periods of inactivity and immobilisation
- Depression
- Female gender
- Age 50 years or older
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Tobacco
Physiotherapy management
Maintaining a regular strengthening exercise routine will keep the muscles and bones strong. In addition, it will help with improving mood and maintaining joint mobility.
- Weight bearing exercises:
- Hopping, stomping, exercises using weights, resistance bands has been shown to increase bone density
Flexibility and balance:
- Yoga, taichi
- Helps with maintaining posture and balance to further reduce the risk of falls
If you are interested in learning more about prevention of osteoporosis, or you are unsure which exercises do, call to book in a FREE initial assessment with one of our friendly physiotherapists .They will be able to assess your areas of concern, ans if you wish to further your treatment they can tailor exercises to your needs and introduce you to our falls and strengths class where you can practice your exercises 07 5575 3244