Osteoporosis: What is it and how can physiotherapy help?
Osteoporosis is a disease of the skeleton in which the bones lose strength and function. The result is frequent bone fractures, especially in the spine, hips and ribs. Osteoporosis can have various causes, such as hormone deficiency, taking medication, being underweight or lack of exercise. The disease does not usually cause pain in the early stages, but only when the bones are already weakened.
Physiotherapy is an important measure for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Physiotherapists can create an individual exercise program that promotes bone formation, strengthens the muscles, improves posture and reduces the risk of falling. They can also give tips on nutrition, daily living and pain management.osteoporosis: what is it and how can physiotherapy help?
Common forms of osteoporosis
There are two main forms of osteoporosis: primary and secondary osteoporosis.
Primary osteoporosis is the most common form and primarily affects women after menopause. The reason for this is the lack of estrogen, a female sex hormone that inhibits bone loss. Men can also develop primary osteoporosis if they have a testosterone deficiency.
Secondary osteoporosis occurs as a result of other diseases or medications that affect bone metabolism. These include, for example, hyperthyroidism, tumor diseases, anorexia, diabetes, epilepsy or cortisone therapy.
Physiotherapy for osteoporosis: what are the goals?
Physiotherapy has several goals in treating osteoporosis:
- Increase in bone formation through muscular pressure and tensile stress
- Strengthening the core muscles to stabilize and relieve pressure on the spine
- Improvement of body awareness and favorable posture
- Training reaction and coordination to prevent falls
- Advice on remedies and aids to support mobility
- Measures to manage pain in acute or chronic complaints
- Rehabilitative and sporting activities to promote quality of life
Physiotherapy for osteoporosis: Which exercises are suitable?
Physiotherapists can choose from a variety of exercises tailored to patients' individual needs and abilities. The following principles should be observed:
- The exercises should be carried out regularly and long-term to achieve an effect on the bone.
- Exercises should be moderate to high intensity to stimulate the bone.
- Exercises should be varied to target different muscle groups and bone regions.
- The exercises should be functional, i.e. imitating or facilitating everyday movements.
- The exercises should be safe, that is, minimize the risk of injury.
Examples of suitable exercises are:
- Strength training with weights or resistance bands
- Balance exercises on unstable surfaces or with your eyes closed
- Coordination exercises with balls or sticks
- Flexibility exercises for the spine and joints
- Endurance training such as cycling, swimming or Nordic walking
Physiotherapy for osteoporosis: How do I find a qualified physiotherapist?
To find a qualified physical therapist who specializes in treating osteoporosis, the following steps may help:
- Obtain a referral from the family doctor or specialist who made the diagnosis.
- Use a therapist search on the Internet, for example on the website of the German Association for Physiotherapy (ZVK).
- Ask for recommendations from other sufferers or self-help groups.
- Arrange an initial consultation with the physiotherapist to discuss the therapy goals and methods.
Conclusion
Osteoporosis is a serious condition that makes bones brittle and prone to fractures. Physiotherapy is an important measure to slow bone loss, relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Physiotherapists can create an individual exercise program that promotes bone development, strengthens muscles, improves posture and reduces the risk of falls. They can also give tips on nutrition, everyday life and pain management. To find a qualified physiotherapist, you should get a referral from your doctor, use a therapist search on the Internet or ask for recommendations.