Osteoporosis is a common bone disease characterized by low bone mass and thinning of bone tissue. It is also known as the “bone thinning” disease. This condition leads to the bones becoming more fragile and thus more likely to fracture. Osteoporosis most often progresses silently without pain until a bone fractures. Fortunately, there are three key warning signs:
Osteoporosis was once thought to be an inevitable part of aging. Although more common in women past 50 years of age, osteoporosis can strike at any age in both females and males. The lifetime risk of an osteoporosis-related fracture is 50 percent for women and 25 percent for men. Osteoporosis is now recognized as a treatable disease that often can be prevented.
Physical Therapy intervention for the treatment and management of osteoporosis involved education and training in the following areas:
The most common areas of the skeleton for an osteoporotic fracture to occur are in the vertebral bodies of the mid- to lower-spine area, hip area and wrist. If an individual has sustained an osteoporotic fracture, the physical therapist can help with pain management, teach appropriate exercises and assist with return to functional independence.
Optimal management of osteoporosis involves a team of professionals including health care provider (such as your physician or nurse practitioner), dietician, physical therapist or pharmacist. For information on this team approach provided by the Osteoporosis Clinic, click on the Women's Health Center.
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