Osteoporosis

Treat Your Osteoporosis Symptoms with Physical Therapy

Are you experiencing a thinning of your bones, due to osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a very common condition that mostly affects women, especially after the age of 40. In fact, 80% of osteoarthritis diagnoses are for women.

The meaning of osteoporosis translates to “porous bones,” as this condition causes bones that were once strong to become frail and fragile. This occurs when the bones are no longer able to hold as much calcium, which is an important mineral that keeps bones strong. As more calcium is released from the bones than what is put in, it is important to keep problem areas strong, especially in the spine and hips.

If you are suffering from osteoporosis, you are at a higher risk of developing fractures from ordinary, everyday activities. When osteoporosis affects the spine, it can result in a compression fracture that may lead to the crumbling of bone. This can make daily life increasingly difficult, as you may not be able to move around as freely as they used to.

Fortunately, physical therapy can help strengthen those problem areas so you can reclaim your life. Contact St. Luke’s & East Tennessee Rehab Center today to find out how our Morristown, Kingsport, and Newport, TN services can benefit you!

Physical therapy and osteoporosis:

Many of the issues surrounding osteoporosis can be addressed through strengthening exercises, a good walking program, proper nutrition, and/or medication as needed.

Since strengthening is a critical part of osteoporosis management, physical therapy is an effective method of treatment. Our Morristown, Kingsport, and Newport, TN physical therapists are experts in preparing coordinated, easy-to-do exercise programs to target specific osteoporotic areas.

It is common that people living with osteoporosis will have limited spinal and hip movement, which increases the stresses on bones. Our physical therapist will determine the best course of treatment for you, in order to address these limitations and restore your body to its optimum state of function.

Physical therapy treatments for osteoporosis will include gentle stretches and exercises that will become more intensive with time, in order to help strengthen the affected areas. Our physical therapist will also focus on postural improvement to decrease stress on certain areas, as well as nutritional education to add more calcium and bone-strengthening foods into your diet. Additional methods and modalities may be included as needed, at the discretion of your physical therapist.

At St. Luke’s & East Tennessee Rehab Center, we work in conjunction with your doctor to come to a conclusion on a specific treatment plan for you, in order to ensure you are on the best path toward stronger bones and injury prevention. Request an appointment and discover how we can help treat your osteoporosis symptoms!