Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in America.

Osteoporosis is a progressive disease in which bone density and quality diminish over time. It has no obvious symptoms, which is why it is important to speak with your doctor about testing your bone density if you are at risk.

Orthopedic problems that may occur due to osteoporosis will include postural changes, fractures and decrease in physical activity.

Fixed Risk Factors

• 50+ years old

• Female

• Family history of hip fracture

• Previous history of any fracture

• Caucasian or Asian ethnicity

• Post-menopause or post-hysterectomy

• Long-term corticosteroid use

• Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Hypogonadism in Men

The Problem

The structure of bones are constantly changing. Bone-building cells, called osteoblasts, are constantly laying down new bony material, made of calcium phosphate and collagen, in the areas that are subjected to more force. There are also bone-absorbing cells called osteoclasts that break down bony material and dissolve its contents. The body is continuously using hormones to create a balance between building up and breaking down that results in optimal bone structure and density to fit the needs of the individual.  

Osteoporosis occurs when there is more resorption of bone material than there is building of new mass, making the bones less dense.

Eventually bones become porous and frail leading to increased risk of fracture. The most common site for bone fractures from osteoporosis are at the femur or vertebrae. Therefore, if you have constant back pain without incident and you have one or more of these risk factors, please discuss this with your healthcare provider.

The Research

Approximately 30% of post-menopausal women in the US and in Europe have osteoporosis. Reports indicate that more than 8.9 million fractures occur each year, 75% of which occur in women. Recent evidence has suggested that the most effective training program aimed at reducing risk for fracture combines resistance training and high-impact exercise together.

The Good News

Hope and Healing are always possible.

To determine whether you have sub-optimal bone density, your doctor will order a bone scan and compare your BMD (bone mineral density) to that of a healthy 30 year old of the same gender. Orthopedic problems that may occur due to osteoporosis will include postural changes, fractures and decrease in physical activity.

Interventions from your physical therapist would include a pelvic exam and manual therapy. These techniques would include myofascial release to treat trigger points and allow tissues to become normalized, visceral manipulation to treat organs that have been affected by adhesions, and scar tissue mobilization. Through skilled interventions, we help provide pain relief and improve overall tissue mobility.

Sarton Physical Therapy is home to the best pelvic health physical therapists in Orange County. The team at Sarton PT have an eclectic perspective in treating osteoporosis with their successful interventions. Let our advance board certified physical therapists help, please contact us with any questions or requests for additional information. 

National Osteoporosis Foundation. https://www.nof.org/. Accessed January 16, 2018.https://www.iofbonehealth.org/what-is-osteoporosis

Cheatham S, Hanney WJ, Kolber MJ, & Salamh PA. Osteoporosis: Exercise programming insight for the sports medicine professional. National Strength and Conditioning Association. 2017; 39: 3 (2-13)

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