What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones in the body lose minerals, such as calcium, more quickly than the body can replace them, causing a loss of bone thickness (bone density or mass). If a person has Osteoporosis, it can put them at a higher risk of fracturing (breaking) their bones. As bones become thinner and less dense as we age, even a minor bump or fall can cause a serious fracture. Any bone can be affected by Osteoporosis, but the most common sites are the hip, spine and wrist. Fractures can lead to persisting pain, loss of independence, disability and even premature death – so managing bone health to avoid fractures should be a priority.
Who is at risk?
The following are some of the risk factors which can increase your chance of developing Osteoporosis:
- Age: Women that have gone through menopause especially but men can be affected too
- Family history (especially parents or siblings)
- Medical conditions that affect your hormone levels (e.g. Thyroid condi- tions)
- Low calcium (in diet) and Vitamin D intake (lack of sun exposure)
- Lifestyle: Low physical activity, excess alcohol intake, smoking
- Medications (e.g. Glucocorticoids, excess thyroid hormone replacement)
How do I know if I have Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis usually has no symptoms until a fracture occurs. If you have one or more of the above risk factors, it would be wise to discuss this with your GP. Osteoporosis is diagnosed with a bone density scan (commonly known as a bone density test). Your GP will first assess your risk factors for osteoporosis before referring you for a test.
Can I exercise with Osteoporosis?
Research has shown that bones respond well to impact activities and progressive resistance training (i.e. weight training). Maximising strength, balance and mo- bility helps minimise the risk of falls (and thereby fractures). This is particularly important for people with limited function and/ or very high risk of osteoporotic fracture. It is important that exercise programs for treatment of Osteoporosis are accompanied by sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake and take into account existing bone health status, other existing chronic conditions and risk factors for falls and fracture.
If you or someone you know has Osteoporosis, an Accredited Exercise Physiolo- gist can assist in the design and implementation of an appropriate exercise pro- gram. Together with your GP, our Exercise Physiologist can help you manage Osteoporosis.
Contact Whittlesea Physiotherapy on 03 9716 2250 to schedule an appointment with our Exercise Physiologist.