How Physical Therapy Helps Manage Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a very common condition that affects bone density. Almost people of any age can get affected by this condition and suffer weakening or thinning of the bones. However, women have been the most at risk of developing this condition, even though men also suffer.
It is seen that osteoporosis affects about 55% of Americans aged 50 or more, and one-half of them are women while a quarter of them are men. Hence, it is necessary to diagnose and treat osteoporosis to rebuild and strengthen bones.
Physical therapy specialists use physical therapy, to improve movement and quality of life. They provide hands-on care by giving prescribed movement needed to strengthen bones. So, if you have problems related to low bone density or osteoporosis, you can easily find services for physical therapy in Austin, Texas.
How Can a Physical Therapist Help?
A healthy bone is typically built and strengthened by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Physical therapists work with you to teach you some specific exercises to improve your bone health.
Furthermore, physical therapy specialists develop a needs-based program to meet the requirements of the individual to help them improve their overall bone conditions. Physical therapy is a therapeutic way to strengthen bone health and avoid fractures.
Who requires physical therapy for osteoporosis?
Physical Therapy can be extremely beneficial to people:
● diagnosed with osteoporosis
● recently met a fracture due to weak bones
● dealing with another health disease affecting bone health
● older adults with a family history of osteoporosis
Physical Therapy to Manage Osteoporosis
Patients diagnosed with osteoporosis have a low or decreased bone density. If your bone density test report shows that you have osteoporosis, you will have to go for a long-term plan to treat the condition. This treatment plan generally includes physical therapy.
Physical therapy provides a two-fold advantage in managing low bone density or osteoporosis. First, exercises help you to strengthen muscles and reduce the loss of bones. Next, patients already dealing with decreased bone density can reduce their dependence on prescription medications with targeted exercises.
Hence, a physical therapist develops a treatment plan to address the following needs of the patient:
● Improvement of posture to lower the potential backbone fracture
● Enhance body alignment for daily activities
● Modifying the home environment to reduce the risk of falling
● Improving the balance to reduce potential slipping risks
● Lowering fracture risks through daily activities, including the way of working and sleeping
The plan for a patient with a fracture also targets reducing the bone loss pattern of the arms, shoulders, spine, and hips. Treatment plans also consider the progression of low bone density, current health, age, fitness level, and how all these factors influence the risk of future fractures.
Physical therapy includes diversified exercises to manage the condition and decrease the risk of osteoporosis. This combination may mostly supervise these exercises.
● Weight-bearing exercises
Weight-bearing exercises include standing up so that your bones can support your body weight. These routines improve the bone conditions in the lower body, engaging the circulatory and cardiovascular systems.
● Balance exercises
With physical therapy, the experts steer you towards an individualized routine that improves your strength and lessens fall risks.
Finding An Expert For Physical Therapy Near Me
Finding physical therapy services in your area is easy with Austin Physical Therapy Specialists. It is not mandatory to visit a physical therapist with a doctor's recommendation. Physical therapy is an alternative intervention plan that reduces dependence on medications.
The Takeaway
Osteoporosis is a type of bone disease that may occur at any age due to low bone density leading to fractures. However, they are common among postmenopausal women.
Physical therapy, along with other treatments, can strengthen muscles and improve your balance. Austin Physical Therapy Specialists work to provide hands-on treatment to patients. Their therapy specialists stimulate pain relief and functional healing to improve bone health.