PABC's March PHYSIO-4 Tips for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease marked by reduced bone strength leading to an increased risk of fractured or broken bones. Osteoporosis is the major underlying cause of fractures in postmenopausal women and in the elderly. Often, a fracture of the hip, spine, or wrist is the first sign of osteoporosis. In addition to therapeutic exercise, a well-balanced and nutritious diet that includes calcium and vitamin D is good for your bone health and strength. 

​If you have been diagnosed or are at risk for osteoporosis working with your physiotherapist to develop an individualized weight-bearing exercise program is a good first step. And by following the Physio-4 for Osteoporosis, patients can minimize their risk for fractures and keep moving for life.

1.  Know your fracture risk.
Women and men over age 50 should be assessed for risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture to identify if they are at high risk. Osteoporosis occurs most commonly in postmenopausal women, however prevention of this condition should begin in one’s 20’s.  Men and women should perform resistance type exercises throughout their lifetime to help reduce the decline in bone density. Your physiotherapist will establish a strengthening program with resistance exercises to suit your risk factor and help you to build stronger bones. 

2.  Undertake weight-bearing exercise.
If you are diagnosed with low bone density or with osteoporosis, adopting a weight bearing and strength training exercise program will improve your bone health. It has been shown that weight-bearing exercise also improves muscle strength and balance and helps improve physical function and reduce pain.

3.  Improve balance.
You can prevent falls and fractures by following a therapeutic exercise program designed to improve balance and coordination.  This will also help to build bone density. Your physiotherapist can create an individualized exercise program for you. 

4.  Avoid repetitive bending and twisting.
Lifting or carrying loads that are disproportionate can be dangerous for those with low bone density. Your physiotherapist can provide guidance on specific movements to avoid or how to move safely.

Physiotherapists are the rehabilitation specialists recommended most by physicians. They are university-educated health professionals who work with patients of all ages to diagnose and treat virtually any mobility issue. Physiotherapists provide care for orthopedic issues such as sport and workplace injuries, as well as cardiorespiratory and neurological conditions. As Canada's most physically active health professionals, BC's physiotherapists know how to keep British Columbians moving for life.

If you have been diagnosed or are at risk for osteoporosis working with your physiotherapist to develop an individualized weight-bearing exercise program is a good first step. And by following the Physio-4 for Osteoporosis, patients can minimize their risk for fractures and keep moving for life.

1.  Know your fracture risk.
Women and men over age 50 should be assessed for risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture to identify if they are at high risk. Osteoporosis occurs most commonly in postmenopausal women, however prevention of this condition should begin in one’s 20’s.  Men and women should perform resistance type exercises throughout their lifetime to help reduce the decline in bone density. Your physiotherapist will establish a strengthening program with resistance exercises to suit your risk factor and help you to build stronger bones. 

2.  Undertake weight-bearing exercise.
If you are diagnosed with low bone density or with osteoporosis, adopting a weight bearing and strength training exercise program will improve your bone health. It has been shown that weight-bearing exercise also improves muscle strength and balance and helps improve physical function and reduce pain.

3.  Improve balance.
You can prevent falls and fractures by following a therapeutic exercise program designed to improve balance and coordination.  This will also help to build bone density. Your physiotherapist can create an individualized exercise program for you. 

4.  Avoid repetitive bending and twisting.
Lifting or carrying loads that are disproportionate can be dangerous for those with low bone density. Your physiotherapist can provide guidance on specific movements to avoid or how to move safely.

Physiotherapists are the rehabilitation specialists recommended most by physicians. They are university-educated health professionals who work with patients of all ages to diagnose and treat virtually any mobility issue. Physiotherapists provide care for orthopedic issues such as sport and workplace injuries, as well as cardiorespiratory and neurological conditions. As Canada's most physically active health professionals, BC's physiotherapists know how to keep British Columbians moving for life.