What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis means “porous bones.” The disease changes the architecture of your bones, across your whole skeleton. As a result, your bones weaken and become liable to fracture especially in the neck, wrist, and hip. Those with osteoporosis often suffer fractures, even without falling, in situations where other people would not.

Fractures in those with osteoporosis can lead to chronic pain, a reduction of mobility, and can sometimes increase the odds of death. Add to this the fact that recovering from bone injuries is more difficult for those with already weakened bone density and you can see why osteoporosis is so serious.

There are no outward symptoms of osteoporosis until you develop a fracture in a bone that otherwise should not have been damaged, so the condition is often overlooked. If you’ve suffered unusual damage from a fall or stumble, your doctor might perform a Bone Mineral Density Test. This test reveals how much your bone density has changed since your youth. While some bone density loss is normal, a significant loss is a sign of trouble.

While older women are more likely to develop osteoporosis, even young men can develop the condition, as many other conditions, medications, and lifestyle choices impact your bones.

What is Osteopenia?

Osteopenia is the pre-cursor to osteoporosis. Those with osteopenia have weakened bone density, which may or may not develop into osteoporosis. Yet, even those with osteopenia are at risk for bone fractures.

What to Expect from the OsteoCircuit Program

The OsteoCircuit program will physically challenge you and reduce your risk of fractures, but it’s still meant to be fun! Guided by a physiotherapist and led by your Osteo-circuit trained Physiotherapist/physiotherapist assistant, you’ll perform specifically-designed exercises that will help you feel stronger, well-balanced, and in control of your condition.

Our OsteoCircuit program will improve your:

• Spine alignment and posture
• Core and spinal strength
• Arm and leg strength
• Flexibility and balance
• Stamina.

Throughout the OsteoCircuit program your physiotherapist will provide you with information on other ways to improve your health and manage your osteoporosis or osteopenia. This includes proper body mechanics, exercises to practice at home, and discussion of critical nutrients such as vitamin D and calcium.

The team at Meadowlands Physiotherapy are certified in OsteoCircuit and we offer it as a group exercise program or as private sessions. Contact us to learn more about better bone health.

FAQs

(1) What are the most common warning signs of osteoporosis?

• Fragility-related fractures.
• Height loss.
• A curved, stooped shape to the spine.
• Painful bowel movements and/or constipation.
• Lower back pain.

(2) Is physiotherapy good for osteoporosis?

Physiotherapy can help you strengthen your bones, as well as your muscles. It can prevent bone thinning, reduce falls and help you manage pain.

(3) What is the best exercise for osteoporosis?

Weight-bearing aerobic activities are the best exercise for osteoporosis. Examples of weight bearing activities are walking, dancing, low-impact aerobics, elliptical training machines, stair climbing and gardening. These types of exercise work directly on the bones in your legs, hips and lower spine to slow mineral loss.

(4) Is walking good for osteoporosis?

You can prevent bone loss with regular exercise, such as walking. If you have osteoporosis or fragile bones, regular brisk walking can help to keep your bones strong and reduce the risk of a fracture in the future.