Presented by Neely Sullivan, Director of Education, Select Rehabilitation

I. Overview of Osteoporosis (OP) and Bone Health• OP is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too

much bone, makes too little bone, or both• As a result, bones become weak and may break easily• Research suggests that approximately one in two women and up to one in

four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis• OP is responsible for two million broken bones and $19 billion in related costs

every year• Complications of OP include: bone fractures; pain; loss of height; postural

instability; limited mobility; and feelings of isolation and depression

II. Bone Growth, Modeling and Remodeling• Bone undergoes growth, modeling, and remodeling during the lifespan• Modeling is the process by which bones change their overall shape in response

to mechanical forces• Remodeling involves continuous removal of old bone, replacement with newly

synthesized bone matrix - Cells that play important roles in remodeling are: osteoclasts, which are

responsible for bone resorption; osteoblasts, which are vital in the formation of bones; and osteocytes, which send the signals that bones are being exposed to stress or injury

III. The Aging Process vs. OP• Bone resorption rates are maintained or increase with age• Bone formation rates tend to decrease with age• With OP, the rate of bone formation is inadequate to o�set the rate of bone

resorption and maintain the structural integrity of the skeleton • OP is NOT an inevitable consequence of aging; many individuals maintain good

bone mass and structural integrity into their 80s and 90s

Walking for Optimal Bone Health: Preventing Osteoporosis in Older Adults

IIV. Symptoms of OP• “Silent” disease process• Loss of height• Curvature of spine• Fragility fractures

V. Preventing OP• Build an adequate bone density through youth• Keep an active lifestyle• Avoid habits that promote bone loss• Maintain good body mechanics and posture

VI. The Importance of Physical Activity and Bone Health • Women who do aerobic exercise regularly cut their risk of hip and vertebral

fracture by one-third compared to inactive women• Physical activity makes bones stronger and helps prevent falls by improving

balance, coordination, and muscle strength• Physical activity is necessary for bone acquisition and maintenance through

adulthood• Exercise enhances calcium absorption from an individual’s diet

VI. How can Therapy Help?• Goals of rehabilitation are di�erent depending on the stage of OP - Acute Phase: Pain management and patient education - Post-surgery for a fracture: Restore prior level of function - Prevention and management: Bone health; strength; balance• Physical and Occupational Therapy can o�er assistance and guidance to

minimize fall and fracture risk by creating a plan of care that includes: - Resistive weight bearing exercise - Correct body mechanics & posture - Balance & stability interventions - Treatment of mechanical pain & dysfunction - Home modi�cations & functional safety assessment - Energy conservation with self-care activitiesThank you for your attention and attendance. For more information about Select Rehabilitation please call 877.497.7838 or visit www.selectrehab.com.