https://cbphysiotherapy.in/blog/world-osteoporosis-day-managing-bone-health-with-physiotherapy
World
Osteoporosis Day: Managing Bone Health with Physiotherapy
World
Osteoporosis Day is observed on the 20th of October every year. This day is
dedicated to raising awareness for early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment
of Osteoporosis. World Osteoporosis Day WOD aims to make osteoporosis and
fracture prevention a global health priority by reaching out to health-care professionals,
patients, and the public at large. Osteoporosis is a skeletal condition, which
leads to the thinning of bones, mainly due to a deficiency of minerals such as
calcium. Mineral deficiency leads to reduced bone density, which is
characterized by brittle bones that are prone to fractures. Individuals with
osteoporosis often experience multiple fractures in the long bones of arms and
legs, and in the spine. Osteoporosis hinders movement and thus causes Joint Pain and Pain in the bones.
Regular exercise and good nutrition, including getting the recommended daily
amounts of calcium and vitamin D, are essential for building and maintaining
bone strength throughout the lifespan. Various osteoporosis treatments have
been proven to reduce fractures by 30 to 50 percent.
Factors
Responsible for Osteoporosis
Genetic
factors play a critical role as a risk determining factor for Osteoporosis, but
dietary and lifestyle modifications can help to prevent it. Identifying early
signs and symptoms can help people take tangible steps to monitor Osteoporosis.
Family history, low bone density, poor levels of vitamins and minerals and some
health conditions and medications contribute to osteoporosis risk. Sedentary
lifestyles alcoholic consumption, dietary gaps are also associated with the
risk factors of osteoporosis. Reduction in bone mineral density is a natural
process after the mid-20s, but incorporating an adequate amount of calcium,
proteins, and vitamin D in our everyday diet can help to reduce our risk of
Osteoporosis. Older adults lose bone mass with natural aging. With age, the
ability to create new bone decreases while disuse continues to occur. In women,
there is a sharp decline in bone mineral density after menopause, thereby
increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Thus, postmenopausal women need necessary
measures to prevent osteoporosis during later years in life.
Role
of Physiotherapy in treating Osteoporosis
Strategies
to improve bone density and reduce the likelihood of falls are important in the
prevention of osteoporosis. Physiotherapists have a role to play in this
condition through exercise prescription, therapeutic modalities, specific techniques
and education. Appropriate treatment goals can be established following a
thorough assessment of signs and symptoms, risk factors for osteoporosis and
functional status. Since the aim is to maximize peak bone mass in children and
adolescents, participation in a variety of high-impact activities should be
encouraged.
Physiotherapy
includes certain bone-strengthening exercises, such as weight-bearing
activities (including walking or jogging) or resistance training (such as weight
lifting or yoga).To also help prevent further fractures, a physical therapist
helps patients suffering from osteoporosis to improve balance and posture.
Better control over balance will help people to prevent falls while proper
posture takes unnecessary stress off the spine, which will reduce the risk of
spinal fractures. A physical therapist may even help people to make changes
in-home and/or office to promote a healthy recovery. Often physiotherapy
teaches people safe ways to do everyday activities—from how to correctly lie
down to how to sneeze properly—that will help people to avoid fractures.
Physical therapy is an effective non-surgical treatment for osteoporosis that
may help restore healthy movement, function, and bone strength. Physiotherapy
will teach patients suffering from weak bones to exercise for bone health and
ways to manage daily activities to lessen the chances of having an
osteoporosis-related fracture.
