Osteoporosis – Role of physiotherapy for management and prevention

Osteoporosis is a medical condition that affects the bones, making them weaker and more fragile. It is a common condition, especially in older adults and women after menopause, and it increases the risk of fractures, particularly in the hip, spine, and wrist.

In osteoporosis, the bones lose density and strength due to the loss of calcium and other minerals. This happens when the body absorbs more bone tissue than it creates, resulting in a decrease in bone mass and a thinning of the bone structure. Osteoporosis often goes unnoticed until a fracture occurs, which can lead to significant pain, disability, and a reduced quality of life.

What are the symptoms of Osteoporosis?

There are no notable symptoms of osteoporosis during the first stages of bone fractures. However, once your bone health weakens, you might experience the following symptoms:

• A stooped posture.
• Back pain, often caused by a collapsed vertebra.
• A bone that fractures much more easily.
• Loss of height.
• People who have had a bone fracture due to osteoporosis increase their risk of future fractures. This means that possible fractures are inevitable with each new fracture.

Treatments to help with Osteoporosis

There are various physiotherapy techniques that can be used to help manage osteoporosis, depending on the individual’s condition, symptoms, and goals. Here are some of the techniques that physiotherapists may use:

1. Exercise therapy: Exercise is an essential part of osteoporosis management. A physiotherapist can design an exercise program that focuses on weight-bearing, resistance, and balance training to improve bone strength, muscle mass, and coordination. Some examples of exercises that may be beneficial include walking, jogging, weightlifting, Pilates, and yoga.
2. Manual therapy: This includes techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, and manipulation. These techniques can help to reduce pain, increase joint range of motion, and improve posture.
3. Postural education: Proper posture is crucial for preventing fractures in patients with osteoporosis. A physiotherapist can provide education on how to maintain good posture during daily activities such as sitting, standing, and lifting.
4. Balance training: Osteoporosis can increase the risk of falls, which can result in fractures. Balance training can help to improve stability and reduce the risk of falls. This may involve exercises that challenge the patient’s balance, such as standing on one leg, walking on uneven surfaces, or using a balance board.
5. Functional training: This involves exercises that mimic daily activities, such as getting up from a chair, climbing stairs, and reaching for objects. Functional training can help to improve strength, balance, and coordination, which can enhance the patient’s ability to perform daily activities safely.
6. Electrotherapy: This includes modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation, which can be used to reduce pain and promote healing in affected areas.

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the management of osteoporosis. Physiotherapists are trained to assess the patient’s physical condition, identify areas of weakness, and develop individualised exercise programs to improve muscle strength, balance, and coordination. These exercises can help to prevent falls and reduce the risk of fractures.

Physiotherapy can also help to alleviate pain and improve mobility in patients with osteoporosis. Treatment may include manual therapy, such as massage and joint mobilisation, as well as other modalities such as heat, ice, and electrical stimulation.

In addition to exercise and manual therapy, physiotherapists can provide education and advice on lifestyle modifications, such as proper nutrition, smoking cessation, and safe movement practices, to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and related fractures.

A comprehensive physiotherapy program for osteoporosis management may involve a combination of these techniques tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals. Physiotherapy is an essential component of the multidisciplinary approach to the management of osteoporosis, helping patients to maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.