Osteoporosis (OP) is a preventable metabolic bone disease, yet its incidence is increasing out of proportion to the aging population. Osteoporosis is an increasing public health problem that causes loss of life and reduced quality of life. Strategies to improve bone density and reduce the likelihood of falls are important in the prevention of osteoporosis. Physiotherapists have a role to play in this condition through exercise prescription, therapeutic modalities, specific techniques, and education.
Our physiotherapists at Curezone physiotherapy Clinic, Mississauga aims to provide appropriate treatment goals which can be established following a thorough assessment of signs and symptoms, risk factors for osteoporosis and functional status. If the aim is to maximize peak bone mass in children and adolescents, participation in a variety of high-impact activities should be encouraged. In the middle adult, small increases in bone mass may be achieved by properly planned weight-training and weight-bearing exercise. In the older adult years, particularly if osteopenia or osteoporosis is present, the aim is to conserve bone mass, reduce the risk of falls, promote extended posture, reduce pain, and improve mobility and function.
Vertebral fractures are common sequelae of osteoporosis often resulting in ongoing pain, musculoskeletal, respiratory, and postural abnormalities, and deterioration in physical functioning and quality of life. Of additional concern, the likelihood of sustaining further fractures increases substantially after an initial fracture and fracture risk is higher in individuals with back muscle weakness and hyper-kyphosis of the thoracic spine. Therefore, the aim is to promote physiotherapy program at our Curezone Physiotherapy, Mississauga clinic which incorporates manual techniques, physiotherapist led exercises, and home exercises designed to reduce pain, increase back extensor and lower limb muscle strength, and improve posture, trunk stability and trunk mobility. It was even hypothesised that improvements in these impairments would result in better physical functioning and quality of life in people with a history of osteoporotic vertebral fracture.
The aims of the physiotherapy treatment were to
- decrease back pain.
- ii) improve posture.
- iii) improve thoracic spine mobility.
- iv) strengthen trunk extensor and lower limb muscles.
- v) improve trunk control.
- vi) provide education.
The physiotherapist also applies postural taping followed by rigid strapping tape for postural adjustments and proprioceptive feedback. The taping technique aimed to encourage a retracted scapular and pectoral girdle posture and promote thoracic spine extension.
At each treatment session the therapist also performed soft tissue massage and passive accessory posterior-anterior mobilisation techniques on the thoracic spine. e origin of the pain, the aims of treatment, the importance of patient involvement and adherence, back care, postural awareness and activities to avoid in order to foster positive self management behaviours. The therapist usually teaches the patient exercises to be performed at home: those exercises that addressed posture and range of motion are recommended to be performed daily while strengthening and trunk control exercises advised three times per week.
The training included general training of balance and muscle strength, with stabilization of the lumbar spine. This training programme for osteoporotic patients improved balance and level of daily function and decreases experience of pain and use of analgesics. Quality of life also improves beyond the active training period.
The relationship between bone health and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake is well known, the results of smoking cessation have been firmly established, and impact activities are essential to maximize bone density.
Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
Low Vitamin D may show pain symptoms of osteomalacic myopathy, including changes to gait, difficulty rising from a chair, inability to ascend stairs, diffuse muscle pain & weak pelvic floor muscles.
Consequences of Vitamin D Deficiency Relevant to Pain:
√ weak bones √ weak muscles √ osteomalacia √ correlates to chronic pain
Vitamin D Functions in the Body:
√ helps metabolize magnesium √ builds bone density √ helps decrease prostate √ helps colon and breast cancer √ helps depression and anxiety √ can help with allergies and autoimmune function.
Without adequate Vitamin D, no amount of calcium will build bone density and the excess calcium not deposited in the bones is deposited in the other tissues, i.e. blood vessels, breast tissue and kidneys.
People who live north of the 35th parallel get little vitamin D from the sun (apply flip-flop test)
Food sources:
√ Liver √ sardines √ salmon
√ margarine √ cod liver oil √ tuna
√ eggs √ fortified milk √ mushrooms
Mg is required for Vitamin D metabolism! All enzymes that metabolize Vitamin D require Magnesium!
The Physiotherapists at curezone Physiotherapy Clinic, Mississauga are well qualified to devise exercise training regimens, assist in their delivery to different age groups, and provide advice and education with regard to bone health, thereby contributing to both osteoporosis prevention and reduction in fracture risk.
Make sure you book your appointment today and get assessed by our physiotherapist now.
