How can Physical Therapy help with treatment and prevention of Osteoporosis?
Treatment of patients already diagnosed with osteoporosis is a very delicate process. There are several different approaches but any approach is focused on prevention of falls and promoting an increase in bone mass: First a physical therapist will assess balance, strength, gait and posture. If there is a significant strength loss, poor balance and slow gait, these things increase the risk of falls. Strength training of the lower extremities, shoulders, neck and back improves strength and balance which help prevent falls that lead to fractures. Preventable falls are the biggest cause of broken bones. A physical therapist will also educate you on how to best reduce your risk for falls. A physical therapist will also educate you on safe rest, work and exercise positions that will minimize the risk of fracture occurring during activities of daily living. Evidence has shown that exercise late in life even with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis and even beyond 90 years of age can increase muscle
