symptoms, physical section on womens health-apta …...osteoporosis: causes, symptoms, physical...

Osteoporosis: Causes,Symptoms, PhysicalTherapy Treatment

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreaseddensity and structure of bones, causing bones to becomeweak or brittle. These changes increase a person’s risk forbreaking a bone. The lower one’s bone density, the greaterthe risk of fracture. Osteoporosis is a silent disease,meaning people are often unaware of these bony changesuntil after they break a bone. The spine, hip and wrist arethe most common bones to fracture. These fracturesimpact a person’s mobility, functional independence,reduce height, and cause pain.

Find a Physical Therapist near you using PT Locator at ptl.womenhshealthapta.orgFor more educational resources, please visit www.womenshealthapta.org/patients

SECTION ON WOMENS HEALTH-APTA

What is Osteoporosis?

Unfortunately, many of the risk factors associated withosteoporosis are not easily modified. Women are morecommonly affected by osteoporosis, especially those ofAsian or European descent. Small stature, age, heredity,medical conditions (such as renal failure, diabetes,hyperthyroidism, etc.) and women who are post-menopausal are all factors contributing to a greater risk ofdeveloping osteoporosis. Certain medications, such asprolonged steroid use, can also put one at risk for weak orbrittle bones.

What causes Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis: Causes, Symptoms,Physical Therapy Treatment

Modifiable risk factors that can be controlled includeexcessive alcohol consumption, smoking tobacco, lowbody mass index (BMI), inadequate Calcium andVitamin D intake, soft drink consumption, and asedentary or inactive lifestyle. Osteopenia is a mild reduction in bone structure anddensity, and also a risk factor for osteoporosis. Propernutrition, weight-bearing and resistance exercise,and/or medications can help prevent osteopenia fromworsening and developing into osteoporosis.



What causes Osteoporosis?continued...

Osteoporosis is often present without noticeablesymptoms. Back pain due to vertebral fractures can gounnoticed or dismissed as a general backache. Someindividuals with osteoporosis may have a flexed orstooped posture and become shorter. Being aware ofrisk factors associated with osteoporosis is a powerfulfirst step in the preventing osteoporosis and itscomplications. Take control of your bone health bytalking with your health care provider about yourconcerns.

What are the symptomsof osteoporosis?


The DXA or DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) test is used to assess bonemineral density to determine if you have osteoporosis. Standardized scores on thistest help your healthcare provider determine your current bone mineral densitystatus.A T-Score compares your bone density to a 30-year-old of the same gender. A T-score greater than (-1) is considered normal. A T-score of (-1) to (-2.5) is consideredosteopenia (low bone density), and a T-score of less than (-2.5) indicates thepresence of osteoporosis.A Z-Score compares your bone density to others your same age, ethnicity andgender. A Z-score of less than (-1.5) raises concern that factors other than agingmay be contributing to osteoporosis. These factors may include but are not limitedto thyroid abnormalities, poor nutrition, medications, and smoking tobacco.



What tests are used to diagnose osteoporosis?

Individuals throughout the life span can benefit from physical therapy to prevent ormanage osteoporosis. Physical therapists (PTs) help individuals maximize functionthrough movement by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. PTsalso educate in ways to promote good posture, body awareness, prevent falls, andencourage a healthy lifestyle.

How can physical therapy help?

Research indicates that maximum bone mass is achieved by the late twenties andmost healthy individuals maintain their bone mass until age 35. Gradual bone lossbegins in the late thirties. As a result, young girls and women must preventosteoporosis through healthy lifestyle habits that include a balanced diet, goodposture, and exercise that includes resistance and weight bearing.


Estrogen is a necessary hormone for maintaining bone strength. Women who aremenopausal or post-menopausal have reduced estrogen and therefore are at a higherrisk of developing osteoporosis and fractures. Learning proper body mechanics andsafe exercises from a physical therapist helps improve breathing, flexibility, balance,and strength in order to optimize mobility and independence, while reducing the risk ofa fracture. Involving a physical therapist in your health care team is an important stepin learning ways to manage bone health and maximize functional independence at allstages of life.



How can physical therapy help?continued...

Pain related to osteoporosisPoor postureBalance concerns or fallsDecreased ability to participate in normal daily activitiesDecreased strength, flexibility and/or enduranceA desire to prevent or slow bone lossAn interest in starting or resuming a safe and effective exercise program

Looking for a Physical Therapist that specializes inosteoporosis? Visit our PT Locator that will allow you to find PTs by zip code and specialty includingosteoporosis. Visit ptl.womenshealthapta.org.

Who should be referred to a women’s healthPhysical Therapist (PT)? Those with...

symptoms, physical section on womens health-apta …...osteoporosis: causes, symptoms, physical...

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