|
Osteoporosis Physical Therapy
 The
director of TSI served as a former president of the Georgia
chapter of the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF). TSI’s unique osteoporosis physical therapy
program includes muscular and bone strengthening exercises,
postural and balance training, tai chi exercises, breathing and
relaxation training, endurance exercises, mind-body training,
patient education and support services.
If your doctor has told you that
you have osteoporosis it could be extremely valuable to
participate in this proven bone building program that is covered
by most health insurance plans. Medications that your doctor may
have prescribed can reduce the rate of bone loss but studies
have proven that when the proper exercises are also incorporated
into your lifestyle, the bone building can often be improved
significantly better than the drugs alone. In addition, drugs
themselves will not improve muscular strength, balance, posture,
endurance or reduce your risk of falls (which lead to
fractures). This components of treatment are so critical to individuals
suffering with osteoporosis.
What is Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more
likely to break (or fracture). If not prevented or if left
untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone
breaks, or there is a loss in height or excessive curvature of
the spine. These fractures can occur anywhere in the body but
occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist.
Of most concern are fractures of
the hip and spine. A hip fracture almost always requires
hospitalization and major surgery. It can impair a person's
ability to walk unassisted and may cause prolonged or permanent
disability or even death. Spinal or vertebral fractures also
have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back
pain, and deformity.
Fracture risks:
One in two women and one in four men over age 50 will have an
osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
Osteoporosis is responsible for
more than 1.5 million fractures annually, including:
-
300,000 hip fractures; and
approximately
-
700,000 vertebral fractures,
-
250,000 wrist fractures; and
-
300,000 fractures at other sites.
Costs:
The estimated national direct expenditures (hospitals and
nursing homes) for osteoporotic and associated fractures was $17
billion in 2001 ($47 million each day) - and the cost is rising.
Symptoms: Osteoporosis is
often called the "silent disease" because bone loss occurs
without symptoms. People may not know that they have
osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden
strain, bump or fall causes a fracture or a vertebra to
collapse. Collapsed vertebrae may initially be felt or seen in
the form of severe back pain, loss of height, or spinal
deformities such as kyphosis (stooped posture).
Risks Factors: Certain
people are more likely to develop osteoporosis than others.
Factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis
are called "risk factors." The following risk factors have been
identified:
-
Personal history of fracture after
age 50
-
Current low bone mass
-
History of fracture in a 1°
relative
-
Being female
-
Being thin and/or having a small
frame
-
Advanced age
-
A family history of osteoporosis
-
Estrogen deficiency as a result of
menopause, especially early or surgically induced
-
Abnormal absence of menstrual
periods (amenorrhea)
-
Anorexia nervosa
-
Low lifetime calcium intake
-
Use of certain medications, such as
corticosteroids and anticonvulsants
-
Low testosterone levels in men
-
An inactive lifestyle
-
Current cigarette smoking
-
Excessive use of alcohol
-
Being Caucasian or Asian, although
African Americans and Hispanic Americans are at significant risk
as well
Women can lose up to 20 percent of
their bone mass in the five to seven years following menopause,
making them more susceptible to osteoporosis.
 Detection:
Specialized tests called bone density tests can measure bone
density in various sites of the body. A bone density test can:
DXA BMD can determine rate of bone
loss and monitor response to treatment.
*Statistics provided here come from
the National Osteoporosis Foundation
Prevention: By about age 20, the average woman has
acquired 98 percent of her skeletal mass. Building strong bones
during childhood and adolescence can be the best defense against
developing osteoporosis later. There are four steps to prevent
osteoporosis. No one step alone is enough to prevent
osteoporosis but all four may. They are:
-
A balanced diet rich in calcium and
vitamin D;
-
Weight-bearing exercise;
-
A healthy lifestyle with no smoking
or excessive alcohol intake; and
-
Bone density testing and medication
when appropriate.
Related Links
Back to Home Page
|
