Osteoporosis mean porous bones; it occurs when the mesh like structure inside the bones becomes thin. During our lives our skeleton loses old bone and forms new bone. Children and teenagers form new bone faster than they lose bone and this is a time when they build their bone bank. Bones becomes denser and denser until they reach their peak bone mass usually between the age of 18 and 25. Bone loss can increase after menopause due to reduced estrogen. Osteoporosis occurs when you either lose too much bone and or make too little bone. Osteoporosis becomes more common as we get older but not everyone gets osteoporosis. There are many risk factors that are associated with osteoporosis.

 Osteoporosis is a silent disease affecting one in two women and one in four men over the age of fifty in Ireland, although all age groups can be affected. People often do not know they have osteoporosis until they have their first fracture. Approximately only 15% of people with osteoporosis are diagnosed. 90% of hip fractures are due to this disease. Research has shown that education in bone health and early stage intervention, especially when the condition is hereditary can be beneficial.

How can Osteo-P Physiotherapy help with the management of Osteoporosis?

The current exercise guidelines for the management of Osteoporosis recommend incorporating two or more activity modes, such as weightbearing activities, PRT strength training, balance and mobility training. At Osteo-P we can give you expert Physiotherapy advice and recommendation on an individual exercise programme based on your current activity level and exercise history. Osteo-P Pilates and Progressive resistance strengthening exercises can help to improve your spinal alignment, improve your muscle strength and mass and help reduce pain associated with a thoracic kyphosis.( rounding of the upper spine ).

Pilates and Progressive Resistance Training can help to improve balance, strength and gait and help to prevent falls in clients with Osteoporosis. We also give advice on fall prevention strategies to reduce the risk of further falls and safe lifting and bending techniques which can be incorporated into day to day movement.

If you are new to Osteo-P it is recommended that you schedule a one to one session for assessment and screening through our telehealth appointments, so that a specific personal programme can be created and this may be supplemented with our online classes.

We are now offering mobile physiotherapy at your home or workplace. For Physiotherapy for osteoporosis and osteopenia please contact us by email or phone for further information.