Osteoporosis Management with Physical Therapy [Infographic]
Osteoporosis is a common bone condition characterized by low bone density, decreased bone strength, and thinning and weakening of the bone. Bones are living dynamic tissues that are constantly rebuilding and breaking down in a process called bone remodeling. However, in osteoporosis, the body does not replace bone tissue at the same rate that bone tissue is broken down, causing the bones to become thin, brittle, and fragile. This lessens the bone’s ability to withstand typical forces from daily living and can result in fractures from everyday situations that would not normally happen with healthy bones.
Women are affected by osteoporosis at a higher rate than men, comprising 80% of those with the condition. In addition, 55% of Americans age 50 and over are affected by osteoporosis. Women are more susceptible to osteoporosis due to the impact of menopause on bone health. During menopause, estrogen levels decrease, which causes women to lose bone density faster than they did before.
Physical therapy can play an important role in preventing and managing osteoporosis through a customized therapeutic exercise program. After careful evaluation of your condition, abilities, and goals, the physical therapist will design a personalized treatment program to help you exercise safely and effectively to manage osteoporosis, maximize bone and spinal health, and minimize fall and injury risk. Exercise helps to improve your bone density by directly loading the bone and increasing muscle mass, which places mechanical stress on the skeleton.
A physical therapy exercise program for osteoporosis includes:
Balance training to help you improve coordination and reaction time, which reduces the risk of falling by enhancing your ability to respond and adjust to dynamic movement and changing surfaces to maintain your balance.
Posture education and body mechanic instruction for daily activities to minimize stress and potential injury.
Flexibility and stretching exercises to move joints through the full range of motion
Weight-bearing aerobic exercises that cause bone loading through the entire length of the bone, which strengthens and builds up bone density. Exercises include walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, and jumping rope.
Strength-training exercises to stimulate bone-building by placing tension on the ends of the bone, shortening the muscle and pulling on the attachment between the muscle and bone. Strength training exercises can include lifting free weights, using weight machines, or using resistance bands.
If you have osteoporosis or are concerned that you may be at risk for the condition, work with a physical therapist who will guide you through a safe, effective exercise program to restore healthy movement and function and rebuild bone strength.
