Physical Therapy Can Help People With Osteoporosis Improve Bone Health

Lifting Osteoporosis Treatment Physical Therapy

May 17, 2022

Aquatic Therapy, Health and Wellness, Osteoporosis, Physical Therapy, Health

First Colony Aquatic and Rehabilitation

PT, DPT, CMTPT, VRC, PDNC

Chief Executive Officer

Have you recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis? Did you know that men also can get osteoporosis? Fortunately, at First Colony Aquatic, our physical therapists are up to date on the most advanced strategies to improve bone health. We will guide you through all the steps you can take to ensure your bones stay strong and healthy, so rest assured you are safe doing what you love!

Osteoporosis is characterized by losing bone mineral density (BMD) and increased susceptibility to fractures. It is estimated that more than 10 million American adults older than 50 years have osteoporosis. Despite the belief that osteoporosis solely affects women, by age 65 or 70, however, men lose bone mass at the same rate as women.

Osteoporosis is often a silent disease because it progresses without any symptoms.

For some people, the first indication of osteoporosis is a fracture. The lifetime risk of fracture for men is 20%. The most common sites of fractures are the hip and spine. Fractures to these areas typically result in disability, decreased independence, and even an increased risk of death.

The good news is you can prevent and, in some cases, stop or reverse your loss of bone density. At First Colony Aquatic, our physical therapists will help provide you with solutions that work!

Request an appointment with one of our specialists today!

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle. We all have special bone cells that regulate the health and strength of our bones. These cells are called osteoclasts, which break down bone, and osteoblasts, which create new bone. New bone creation doesn’t keep up with old bone breakdown with osteoporosis.

This imbalance leads to impaired bone mineral density, bone quality, and increased susceptibility to low-trauma fractures. The risk for osteoporosis increases with advancing age regardless of gender, and even though men have larger skeletons and bone loss in men starts later and progresses more slowly, certain medical conditions increase their risk, including:

Alcoholism (defined as either daily intake, or greater than 10 servings per week),
Hypogonadism (e.g., reduction in sex hormone production due to suppressive therapy for prostate cancer)
Hyperthyroidism (i.e., overactive thyroid gland)
Gastrointestinal disorders (i.e., such as malabsorption syndromes, inflammatory bowel diseases)
History of cerebrovascular accidents (i.e., stroke)

Osteoporosis in men is a significant health issue as life expectancy has risen. Regardless of gender, lifestyle habits will increase the risk of osteoporosis.

The most important risk factors for osteoporosis-related fractures include:

Physical inactivity
Low weight
Tobacco smoking
High alcohol consumption
Low exposure to sunlight
Use of corticosteroids (i.e., Prednisone)
Nutritional deficiencies (i.e., Vitamin D and lack of calcium)

A major concern of osteoporosis is the tendency to fall, which can be a significant threat to mobility and independence. Someone with osteoporosis that falls has a significantly increased risk of serious injury and mortality.

At First Colony Aquatic, our physical therapists can help identify any limitation or weakness affecting your function and give you the tools to build the strength of your bones and reduce your risk of serious injury!

What to expect at your physical therapy sessions

Our physical therapists can help in a variety of ways. We will start with a thorough evaluation and a biomechanical assessment to identify all the factors contributing to your function and bone health. This will consist of a medical history to understand more about previous injuries, nutritional habits, and medical conditions contributing to your osteoporosis.

We will use this information to develop a comprehensive program that emphasizes building your strength and reducing your risk of falls. This will include individually designed muscle strength and balance training exercises. Typically, we will start with light weights/body weight and high repetitions. As you progress, we will teach you how to safely lift heavier weights for 2-4 sets of 10-15 repetitions to the point of fatigue. Our programs are designed to progress using evidence-based strength training programs gradually.

Your physical therapist will then incorporate osteoporosis-specific treatments with a “return to function” progression to assist you in a safe return to daily activities and beyond. Every good therapy program will include injury prevention strategies, nutritional guidance, and interventions to improve mobility and reduce the risk for falls.

Request an appointment today!

At First Colony Aquatic in Sugar Land and Rosenberg, our physical therapists will help you build your bone health and improve your overall function at the same time.

Click here to request an appointment with one of our specialists today!