World Osteoporosis Day – Causes, Prevention & Physiotherapy Treatment
Every year World Osteoporosis Day is celebrated on the 20th of October. Aim of this day is to create awareness for early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of Osteoporosis. World Osteoporosis Day’s mission is to make osteoporosis and fracture prevention a global health priority by reaching out to various health-care professionals, patients, and the public at large. Osteoporosis leads to thinning of bones, mainly due to a lack of minerals like calcium. Bone density reduces due to lack of calcium, which leads to brittle bones that are prone to fractures. People suffering from osteoporosis generally experience multiple fractures in the long bones of legs, arms and spine. In osteoporosis, joint pain and pain in the bones are caused due to hindrance in movements. For building and maintaining the bone strength throughout your life you need to do regular exercise and take good nutrition(calcium and vitamin D are most important for osteoporosis). Osteoporosis treatments have been proven to reduce fractures by 30-50%.
Factors Responsible
Genetic factors play a crucial role in Osteoporosis, but dietary changes and change in lifestyle can help in preventing it. Identifying early signs and symptoms can help in managing and preventing Osteoporosis. What contributes to osteoporosis risk: low bone density, family history, lack of vitamins minerals, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption, some particular health conditions and medications. After the mid-20s the reduction of bone density is a natural process but including an adequate amount of calcium, vitamin D and proteins in our everyday diet can help to reduce the risk of Osteoporosis. Older people lose bone mass with natural aging. In women, there is a sharp decline in bone mineral density after menopause which increases the risk of osteoporosis. So, women need to take necessary measures so that they can prevent osteoporosis during later years in their life.
Role of Physiotherapy in treating Osteoporosis
Improve bone density and reducing the likelihood of falls are important in the prevention of osteoporosis. Physiotherapists treat this condition through prescribed exercise, therapeutic modalities, specific therapies, techniques and education. Appropriate treatment goals can be established following a thorough assessment of signs and symptoms, risk factors for osteoporosis and functional status. Since the aim is to maximize peak bone mass in children and adolescents, participation in a variety of high-impact activities should be encouraged.
Physiotherapists carefully assess the condition and design an effective treatment plan which suits the particular need of a patient. It includes bone-strengthening exercises, such as weight-bearing activities (including walking or jogging) or resistance training (such as weight lifting or yoga). PEMF ( pulsed electromagnetic fields) therapy also works wonders to improve bone mineral density naturally. A physiotherapist helps patients suffering from osteoporosis to improve balance and coordination to prevent falls. A physical therapist also helps in improving posture and maintaining a good body posture. Proper posture takes unnecessary stress off the spine, which will reduce the risk of spinal fractures. A physiotherapist may even help people to make changes in-home or office to promote a healthy recovery. Physical therapy is an effective non-surgical treatment for osteoporosis that may help restore healthy movement, function and bone strength. Physiotherapy will teach patients suffering from weak bones to exercise to maintain a good bone health and ways to manage daily activities to lessen the chances of having an osteoporosis-related fracture.
We just wanted to create awareness about Osteoporosis on the occasion of World Osteoporosis Day. Hope you maintain healthy bone density and stay fit. If your are having problems related to this and you live in Bangalore then visit Best Physiotherapy Clinic in Bangalore.
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