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How to Use Physical Therapy for Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis

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The well-known International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) says that around 22 million and more, women aged between 50 to 84 years old are prone to have osteoporosis. This is especially the case with ‘postmenopausal women’; hormonal change during this stage is the reason why rapid loss of bone mass occurs.

progression_of_osteoporosis

image courtesy https://www.myfamilymeddocs.com/service/osteoporosis/

Professor Juliet Compston, Chair of the European Union Osteoporosis Consultation Panel and research teams from IOF opine “The burden of osteoporotic fractures weighs heavily on women. Two-thirds of the estimated 3.5 million new fragility fractures that occurred in the EU in 2010 occurred in women. Approximately 22,000 deaths in women were causally related to fractures with 50% due to hip fractures, 28% to clinical spine fractures and 22% to other fractures”.

Osteoporosis – A glimpse

It is but a chronic disorder causing bones to weaken and making them susceptible to fracture as well. Taking a cue from the research done by IOF across the European Union (EU), it is said that one in three women would have high bone-loss, post menopause. Two very serious fracture types particularly noticed are fractures to the hip and the spine. Blame it also on the ageing population across the EU, patients suffering from osteoporosis is now expected to increase – 2010 had 23 percent of patients and by 2025, they expect 33.9 million people (IOF research).

Physical therapy and its role in providing an answer

Physical therapy helps reduce the discomfort experienced by the patient; ‘back strengthening exercises’ especially can prove beneficial. For some patients, ‘heat treatment’ may reduce pains due to associated muscular causes; however, one should have a well-versed and a certified physical therapist for help *

What certified physical therapists can help with?

  • Body alignment and posture optimisation – the two help with strength training and core stabilisation.
  • Safety while undergoing strength training and the right ways to breathe, keeping the spinal cord safe from risks, especially while doing pilates and yoga or other flexibility’ exercises too. To get maximum benefit out your chosen exercise routine, make sure you are checking out backcountry.com. From jackets, tops, pants to backpack and bags, electronics, and swimwear to shopping by your preferred mode of physical activity – these guys are the one-stop shop of all things health and fitness. Thinking of how to get a sweet deal and some deep discounts while doing so? So, what are you waiting for hit the gym today and get in shape!
  • Stimulation of osteogenesis.
  • Fall prevention and balance training.
  • Help with COPD, depression, Parkinsons, strokes, cystic fibrosis, cancers, Down Syndrome and Ankylosing Spondilitis and more.

Lead a healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle, brisk walks, hiking, jogging, climbing the stairs, weight-lifting, playing tennis and dancing too from a very young age can help keep the bones strong. Smokers need to beware, since the habit is bad for lungs, heart and the bones. The same would be for those who drink too much of alcohol, should cut down on a glass or two – broken bones happen because of a poor diet and the risks of falling when intoxicated.

There are factors which cannot be changed or influenced say research teams from NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases ~ National Resource Center. It is a fact that women are more prone to the chronic condition than men, but as both genders age – the risks are higher for the two. Petite and reed-thin women or men too should plan their diets accordingly. And, family history along with ethnicity plays a big role too. Sources from the research team at NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases ~ National Resource Center opine Black and Hispanic women are lesser prone to the disease than women from other ethnic backgrounds.

In conclusion

Adequate exercise is a must, which in turn keeps the skeletal health of an individual in good shape. This would also in the long run, prevent osteoporosis from occurring or controlling the chronic condition altogether. However, one must find a certified physical therapist to gain all the help they need.

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