If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from osteoporosis, you know how debilitating the condition can be. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them susceptible to fractures. Physical therapy is often recommended as a treatment for osteoporosis. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of physical therapy for those suffering from osteoporosis.
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What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. This can lead to an increased risk of fractures, particularly in the hip, spine, and wrist. Osteoporosis affects both men and women but is more common in women due to the loss of estrogen at menopause. Other risk factors for osteoporosis include family history, low body weight, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
What Kind Of Physical Therapy Is Used For Osteoporosis?
There are various types of physical therapy that can be used for osteoporosis. They are as follows:
Constraint-induced movement therapy
This type of therapy is also known as “forced use” therapy. It involves restraining the unaffected limb so that the affected limb has to be used more. The goal is to help the patient relearn how to use the affected limb.
Task-specific training
This type of physical therapy involves practicing tasks that are specific to the activities of daily living. The goal is to help the patient regain the ability to perform everyday tasks.
Balance training
This type of physical therapy helps the patient improve their balance. The goal is to reduce the risk of falls. For instance, a physical therapist may have the patient stand on one leg or walk across a room while blindfolded.
Weight-bearing exercises
These exercises help to improve the strength of the bones. The goal is to reduce the risk of fractures. For instance, a physical therapist may have the patient walk, jog, or run.
Aquatic therapy
This type of therapy is also known as “water therapy.” It involves exercises that are done in a pool. The goal is to help the patient improve their range of motion and reduce the risk of falls.For example, a therapist may have the patient walk in the water while wearing a floatation device. This helps to improve balance and prevent falls.
Aerobic exercise
This type of exercise helps to improve the patient’s overall fitness level and can help to reduce the risk of falls. For example, a therapist may have the patient ride a stationary bike or walk on a treadmill.
Strength training
This type of exercise helps to improve the patient’s muscle strength. This can help to reduce the risk of falls and fractures. For example, a therapist may have the patient lift weights or use resistance bands. The goal is to improve the patient’s overall function and reduce the risk of falls.
Balance training
This type of exercise helps to improve the patient’s balance. This can help to reduce the risk of falls. For example, a therapist may have the patient stand on one leg or walk across a beam.
Flexibility
This type of exercise helps to improve the patient’s range of motion and flexibility. This can help to reduce the risk of falls and fractures. For example, a therapist may have the patient do stretches or yoga.
If you have osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about whether physical therapy may be right for you.
What Are The Benefits Of Physical Therapy For Osteoporosis?
The benefits of physical therapy for osteoporosis are as follows:
1. Improves muscle strength: Physical therapy can help to improve muscle strength, which can in turn help to reduce the risk of falls and fractures. These types of exercises help to strengthen the bones and muscles. They can also help to increase bone density.
2. Increases bone density: Physical therapy can also help to increase bone density, which can further reduce the risk of fractures.
3. Improves balance and coordination: Balance and coordination exercises can help to prevent falls, which are the leading cause of fractures in osteoporosis patients.
4. Reduces pain: Pain is a common symptom of osteoporosis, and physical therapy can help to reduce pain levels.
5. Improves quality of life: Overall, physical therapy can help to improve the quality of life for those with osteoporosis. This is due to the fact that it can help to reduce pain levels, improve muscle strength and bone density, and increase balance and coordination.
Physical therapy can help to improve muscle strength by doing exercises that target the muscles that are most affected by osteoporosis. These exercises help to build up muscle mass and make the muscles stronger. Balance and coordination exercises help to improve balance and coordination, which can help to prevent falls. Pain-relieving exercises can help to reduce pain levels associated with osteoporosis. Overall, physical therapy can help to improve the quality of life for those with osteoporosis by helping to reduce pain levels, improve muscle strength and bone density, and increase balance and coordination.
Who Needs Physical Therapy For Osteoporosis?
Physical therapy for osteoporosis is needed by different individuals. they are:
1. Women over the age of 50
2. Men over the age of 70
3. Anyone with a family history of osteoporosis
4. Those who have broken a bone due to osteoporosis
5. People who have undergone hormone therapy or corticosteroid therapy
6. Those with a condition that affects bone density, such as rheumatoid arthritis or anorexia nervosa
7. Anyone who has had surgery to treat osteoporosis
While physical therapy won’t reverse the effects of osteoporosis, it can help prevent further bone loss and improve your quality of life. A physical therapist can develop a customized exercise program that’s appropriate for your level of bone density and fitness.
Safety Tips
There are various safety tips while using physical therapy for osteoporosis. They are as follows:
1. While using physical therapy for osteoporosis, it is important to warm up before starting the therapy. This will help to avoid any injuries.
2. It is also important to cool down after the therapy. This will help in reducing any soreness that might be experienced later on.
3. It is important to maintain good posture while doing the therapy. This will help to prevent any further injury to the bones or muscles.
4. It is also important to use proper breathing techniques while doing the therapy. This will help to prevent any strain on the lungs and heart.
5. It is important to drink plenty of water before and after the therapy. This will help to prevent any dehydration that might be caused due to the therapy.
6. It is also important to eat a balanced diet while doing the therapy. This will help in providing the necessary nutrients to the body which are required for the therapy.
7. It is important to avoid any strenuous activity immediately after the therapy. This will help to prevent any further injury to the bones or muscles.
8. It is also important to consult with a physical therapist before starting the therapy. This will help to ensure that the therapy is being done in the right way and will also help in providing guidance if there are any problems.
9. It is important to follow the instructions of the physical therapist while doing the therapy. This will help to ensure that the therapy is being done in the right way and will also help in providing guidance if there are any problems.
10. It is also important to stop the therapy if any pain or discomfort is experienced. This will help to prevent any further injury to the bones or muscles.
Thus, by following these safety tips, one can ensure that the physical therapy for osteoporosis is being done in the right way and will also help in avoiding any further injuries.
Conclusion
It may be concluded that physical therapy for osteoporosis is a beneficial treatment option for patients with the disease. The therapy can help to improve symptoms and quality of life for patients, and may also help to prevent further bone loss and fractures. Physical therapists can work with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that address their specific needs and goals.
Physical Therapy help patients recover from pain. If you’re experiencing Back pain, Shoulder pain, Knee pain, Neck pain, Elbow pain, Hip pain, or Arthritis pain, a physical therapist at MantraCare can help: Book a physiotherapy session.
