Osteoporosis
By Dyan Quesada, MPT ATC

What is Osteoporosis?

It is a condition in which bones become less dense and more susceptible to fracture. Osteoporosis is often called the “silent thief,” because there are no obvious symptoms as the disease progresses. Over a period of years, calcium is depleted from your bones, making them porous and weaker. Often, one does not discover they have Osteoporosis until they suffer from a fracture. The fracture may either occur because of a fall or because the bone is so fragile that any ordinary movement may cause it to break.

Who is at Risk for Osteoporosis?

Although the causes of Osteoporosis are not fully known, the following factors may place you at risk for developing this condition. Having more than one of the below risk factors increases the likelihood that you will experience an Osteoporosis-related fracture:

●“Petite” or Small Boned
● Excessive Alcohol Intake
● Smoking
● Consumption of large amounts of caffeine and/or salt
● Eating disorders
● Recent fractures in hip, wrist, or spine
● Lack of calcium in diet
● Lack of consumption of dairy products as a child
● Sedentary lifestyle
● Taking one or more of the following medications: anticonvulsants, thyroid, and/or
   corticosteroids, heparin, and coumadin

For women:

● Removal of ovaries
● Menopause
● Reaching an early menopause
● No Children
● Before menopause, having long periods of amenorrhea
   (absence of menstrual cycle)

What can be done to Prevent Osteoporosis?

If you have one or more of the following above risk factors, discuss this with your physician. They may recommend a bone density test to determine if there is any bone loss, and then use the test as a baseline for comparison in the future.

Weight-bearing and strength training exercises are the key to preventing Osteoporosis, as they help to maintain and even improve bone mass. Strength training also improves strength and balance, which help prevent falls that lead to fracture. A strength-training program can consist of using weights, bands, or other means of creating resistance. Examples of weight-bearing exercise include: walking, jogging, stair climbing, aerobics, tennis, dancing, and cycling. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day (combining strength and weight-bearing), and must be done regularly to bring long-term benefits.

It is important to include calcium-rich foods in your diet, such as milk, other dairy products, dark green, leafy vegetables, and salmon. If you are trying to avoid dairy products because of concerns about fat, low-fat and fat-free products retain 100% of their calcium. And for those who are lactose-intolerant, there is a full line of lactose-free dairy products, which are also rich in calcium. Ask your physician if you would benefit from a calcium supplement.

Because alcohol, smoking, caffeine, and certain drugs can all increase your risk of developing osteoporosis, the following is recommended:

● Stop smoking, as it can bring on early menopause, increase bone loss, and interfere with
   estrogen therapy.
● Limit your consumption of alcohol is it in itself can contribute to osteoporosis.
● Cut back on tea, coffee, and cola. Shoot for one cup of a beverage with caffeine daily.
   The caffeine in these drinks increases the amount of calcium lost in urine.
● Avoid laxatives, as they interfere with calcium absorption.
● If you are on cortisone-type drugs, discuss possible alternatives with your physician if they
    think they may increase your risk of osteoporosis.

Although good posture cannot actually prevent Osteoporosis, it can help minimize the effects of the disease.

How can Physical Therapy Help?

The goals of Physical Therapy in treating Osteoporosis are to restore mobility, function, strength, confidence, and to enhance the safety and security of your everyday life. A licensed physical therapist can help reduce pain, prevent fractures, promote healing if a fracture is present, and help strengthen your bones through a program of exercise designed especially for you.

If you work with a Physical Therapist they will perform an evaluation on your first visit. They will take a detailed medical history. In addition, they will observe your general body mechanics and posture. They will also assess range of motion, balance, posture, strength, and endurance.

If you have Osteoporosis or a fracture, treatment can consist of the following:

● Instruction of a specialized exercise program.
● Balance training
● Modalities to decrease pain (massage, ultrasound, electrical stimulation)
● Endurance activities
● Tips to improve your everyday living!

For more information on how Physical Therapy can help you, contact (954) 351-7009.

Reference: American Physical Therapy Association (www.apta.org)