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A Proven Therapy for Osteoporosis

By Balanced Physical Therapy | August 29, 2008

Balanced PT mailed this article to area physicians on 2/20/08

One in three women and one in twelve men over the age of 50 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture.    Many victims of osteoporotic fractures loose the ability to live independently.  Fortunately, advances in medicine as well as research on non-pharmocological intervention have equipped today’s healthcare providers to combat the growing threat of osteoporosis. 1   

Improved bone mass density - decreased chance of fracture

Recommend fall prevention training for the safety of patients with osteoporosis.
Balanced Physical Therapy offers research based osteoporosis treatment designed to reduce the risk of falls and maintain bone density.  Mounting evidence shows that physical exercise reduces the risk of falls in older patients.  While hip fractures most likely occur before the fall, other types of osteoporotic fractures often occur as the result of a fall.  Gait training, appropriate use of assistive devices, and balance training serve as key components to fracture prevention physical therapy programs.2

 

A properly designed exercise program improves bone density.
Osteoporosis treatment at Balanced Physical Therapy is also based on a number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses that have shown physical therapy to be effective at maintaining or improving bone density in postmenopausal women.3-8  To be effective, these programs must combine low impact weight bearing exercise and high-intensity strength training.  Effectiveness also requires progressive intensity in terms of impact and exertion.6  Programs begin at a low, comfortable level.  Low impact activity can be characterized by always having one foot on the floor.  High impact training includes jumping or running (both feet off the floor).  High impact activities are not suitable for patients with osteoporosis. 

 

Today, doctors, PA’s, and nurse practitioners can recommend proven methods for improving bone health.  While an exercise program should be considered for all patients at risk of progressive bone mass loss, programs should be designed and monitored by a suitably trained therapist.  An initial PT assessment at Balanced Physical Therapy will start your patient at the right intensity level as well as educate your patient about the right and wrong types of exercise.  Follow-up visits will ensure that intensity is being progressed in an effective fashion.  Doctors will find Balanced PT’s osteoporosis treatment to be succinct.  It quickly mobilizes your patients into an effective, safe exercise program that they can continue long-term, independently.  Balanced PT understands the limited healthcare dollar and minimizes costs.  Patients performing these exercises see measurable, functional changes. 

 

Please tell your patients about Balanced Physical Therapy.

 

REFERENCES

  1. Torgerson D, Bell-Syer S. Hormone replacement therapy and prevention of nonvertebral fractures: a meta-analysis of randomized trials. JAMA 2001;285(22):2891-7.
  2. Guideline for the prevention of falls in older persons. American Geriatrics Society, British Geriatrics Society, and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Panel on Falls Prevention. J Am Geriatr Soc 2001;49:664-72.
  3. Ernst E. Exercise for female osteoporosis. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Sports Med 1998;25:359-68
  4. Kelley G. Aerobic exercise and lumbar spine bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc 1998;46:143-52.
  5. Kelley GA, Kelley KS, Tran ZV. Resistance training and bone mineral density in women: a meta-analysis of controlled trials. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2001; 80: 65-77.
  6. Mazzzeo R, Cavanagh P, Evans W, Fiatarone M, Hagberg J, Mcauley E, et al. Exercise and physical activity for older adults: ACSM position stand. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1998;30(6):992-1008.
  7. Chow R, Harrison JE, Notarius C. Effect of two randomized exercise programmes on bone mass of healthy postmenopausal women. Br Med J {Clin Res} 1987;295(6611):1441-4.
  8. Kohrt WM, Snead DB, Slatopolsky E, Birge SJ. Additive effects of weight-bearing exercise and estrogen on bone mineral density in older women. J Bone Miner Res 1995;10:1303-11.

 

©BMA 2008