Osteoporosis Explained – Causes and Management Techniques
Osteoporosis Explained – What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is often known as a silent disease. It is a disease that can’t be seen or felt until a bone breaks or a scan is done. Over 1 million Australians have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and a large number of broken bones are due to poor bone health. Our bodies are constantly making and breaking down bone to allow for new healthy bones. Osteoporosis happens when our body’s ability to make bone is slower than the speed bone is broken down. This results in a reduction of bone density to the point where bone becomes fragile. In the case of a fall, paired with poor bone health usually means a very high risk of fractures. Because of this, it is important to understand how to prevent and manage the symptoms of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis Explained – Management Techniques
If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, don’t be stressed. There are a lot of effective osteoporosis management techniques. One of the best methods is to perform weight bearing exercises. This is because our bodies will respond to external stimulus given to it, and adapt to suit. Not only does this help with improving bone health, it also helps in reducing falls risk and improves functional strength. This will allow you to do more, safer and easier. The exercises you perform must be safe and for your current condition. This is where a health professional such as an Exercise Physiologist will be able to help you and guide you through. Other options to manage osteoporosis include medication, supplements and diet changes.
Osteoporosis Explained – Prevention Methods
Although there are many ways to manage osteoporosis, it is still best to try prevent the onset of osteoporosis in the first place. The methods of prevention is very similar to the methods one uses to regulate osteoporosis. The best way to prevent osteoporosis is again, by performing weight bearing exercises before the problem occurs. This will help keep the bones in good health, increase muscle mass and improve functional strength. Leaving you at an better position and well away from osteoporosis.
Some examples of weight bearing exercises include:
Body weight squats / Sit to stand
Incline push up (e.g. Kitchen bench height, staircase)
Step up / Stair climbs
Resistance band rows / dumbbell rows
Lunges
Manage Osteoporosis Easier with Pivotal Motion
If you require a physiotherapist Brisbane to develop an osteoporosis management plan, or just would like to find out more about yourself and what a talented everyday physiotherapy provider can do to help, get in touch. Feel free to call the Pivotal Motion Physiotherapy team on 07 3352 5116 or book online for a hand today!
