Osteoporosis Physiotherapy Treatment
An Osteoporosis Physiotherapy Treatment program can improve the strength of your bones.
The strength of your bones is a cumulative response to the nutrients, movements, medications and hormones it has been exposed over your lifetime. Some of the factors that allow you to have stronger bones are in your control (nutrition and exercise) and others are not (illness, genetics).
Like muscles, our bones respond to the stresses placed on them. However, when you have low bone density you want to ensure that the stresses are safe for your bones. The exercise should be strong enough to stimulate but safe enough not to cause fractures.
You did not develop low bone density overnight. A gradual step-by-step approach to regaining the strength of your bones and confidence in yourself will ensure that movement remains a key strategy to allow you to take control over your quality of life today and tomorrow.
1. Osteoporosis Exercise Treatment Program
It is well documented that the wrong exercises can cause fractures. It is important to be aware that not all exercises are appropriate for individuals with lower bone mass. When you work with me you will learn, during your osteoporosis exercise treatment program, what exercises you should do and what exercises need to be modified.
Depending on your specific needs, your osteoporosis exercise treatment program will include exercises to improve your:
- Balance.
- Flexibility.
- Posture.
- Strength.
- Cardiovascular conditioning.
Your exercise program will build at a pace that is comfortable to you.
1.1 Osteoporosis Exercise Treatment: Approach
Your commitment to a better bones starts with an initial assessment followed by a 10-session package involving body work to address specific areas of tightness/postural changes (myofascial massage, soft tissue massage, stretching and spinal mobilization) as well as targeted exercises to address your weakest areas first.
You can choose the frequency of your sessions although I advise those new to exercise to consider the following:
- Twice weekly for the first two weeks,
- Once weekly for the next four weeks
- Once every two weeks. until you are independent and self motivated enough to see me every 6 weeks.
There is always the option of keeping the session biweekly based on your needs.
1.2 Benefits of an Osteoporosis Exercise Treatment Program
- Reduced fall risk.
- Reduced fracture risk.
- Better quality of bone.
- Better quality of life.
Bonus benefits include:
- Fat loss.
- Better posture
- Muscle gain.
- Improved balance.
- More subtle, flexible muscles and joints.
- Increased confidence.
2. Osteoporosis Physiotherapy Treatment Program
A number of my clients want more than an osteoporosis exercise program; they are looking for a more comprehensive approach to managing their osteoporosis. Based on your needs, we can discuss an osteoporosis treatment program specific to your goals and lifestyle. Here are few points regarding the treatment program:
- You will not be left sitting plugged to a machine or with a heating/ice pack.
- You will get hands on myofascial release and soft tissue massage. This will release restrictions within your body caused by a fracture/compression and address postural changes.
- You will get suggestions specific to your needs to make your days easier, your sleep better, and improve your quality of life.
- You will learn the safest, most efficient way to move while building your confidence and knowledge to manage your bone health.
Why Work With Me?
Selecting the right health and fitness professional is an important determinant on the effectiveness and safety of your exercise program and osteoporosis treatment.
I am the founder of MelioGuide — the leading online provider of exercise programs for people with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Exercise for Better Bones is used by thousands of clients and health care professionals around the world.
In addition to attending to clients, I train my fellow health care professionals on the treatment and management of osteoporosis and osteopenia.
From 2008 to 2016, I trained many thousands of Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Kinesiologists and other health care professionals across Canada and the United States, and around the world on safe and effective treatment and exercise programs for clients with osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Start Your Program: Schedule an Assessment
You can start your custom osteoporosis exercise program when you schedule an Initial Assessment with me. Click on the image on the right to schedule time with me.
Once your assessment is done, we can get your started on your exercise program.
How to Choose an Osteoporosis Physiotherapy Treatment Program
How do you find an osteoporosis exercise expert and determine if he or she is right for you?
If you are a regular reader of this blog, you already know that following a proper exercise program is a key component in a healthy bone program. It is particularly important if you have low bone density or osteoporosis.
You probably have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, osteopenia or low bone density and have been advised by your physician that you should consider regular use of bisphosphonates or Prolia. But like many of the readers of this blog, you have concerns about the long term use of these medications and wonder how long can you take Prolia. And now you are looking for a safe and effective exercise program.
You want to choose the right exercise program from a reliable and knowledgeable source. This article will help you find the right health professional for you.
Not All Exercise Programs Are Appropriate for Someone With Osteoporosis
I always tell my clients “that, when safely presented, exercise is the one prescription that only has positive side effects.” I also advise them that their choice of exercise is very important if they have low bone density or osteoporosis. It is not only important that you select exercises that build bone, balance, flexibility and confidence, it is equally important that aware of what movements (and exercises) you need to avoid or modify in order to reduce your risk of fracture.
How to Find an Osteoporosis Physiotherapy Treatment Expert
This begs the question: where can you find a reliable source for an osteoporosis exercise program that takes into consideration the factors listed above? I am not able to directly service everyone who reads this blog simply because of my personal time constraints and the fact that I prefer to work with clients face-to-face.
The online MelioGuide Exercise for Better Bones Program is a convenient, affordable, comprehensive and safe osteoporosis exercise program. However, this approach is not for everyone — especially if you feel you need the individual attention and face-time of someone knowledgeable in osteoporosis and exercise.
How do you go about finding and selecting an expert that you can work with? Here are five questions you should ask yourself (and your potential advisor) before you commit.
- What is their education and training?
- Do they have training specific to osteoporosis and exercise?
- Has the professional been certified and regulated by a recognized body?
- Do they service clients like you?
- Do they share your values and can they help you achieve your goals?
What to Expect During Osteoporosis Physiotherapy Treatment
You probably should expect eight to ten sessions with a professional to design, develop and work through your program.
Your first meeting will be an assessment. The professional will likely interview you and collect information on your medical and activity history. She will do a series of tests on your balance, flexibility and strength.
The assessment allows your health professional to design your program based on your current level of fitness.
Your Health is in Your Hands
Remember that your health is in your hands. You should invest the time you need to find the exercise program (and professional advice) you need to make the right choice.
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