Hillcrest Physical Therapy Offers Therapy Services Designed to Fight Osteoporosis

It can be easy to forget that your bones aren’t just solid mass. They are actually living and changing just like the rest of your body. Throughout your life your bones will vary in strength and density. It is important to know how to keep your bones strong and healthy and the threats to your bone health. One of the most common threats to bone health is osteoporosis.

According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), osteoporosis is a condition where bones become more porous and less dense. Bone is made of living tissue that is constantly being rebuilt. If there is more bone loss than bone growth the bones become weaker and develop osteoporosis. This means that individuals with osteoporosis have a higher risk of fractures.

Jenifer Johnson, PT, DPT, a physical therapist at Hillcrest Physical Therapy, says that one in two women and one in four men tend to have osteoporosis. Johnson, who specializes in women’s health, explained that one of the reasons women are more likely to develop osteoporosis is because menopause causes hormonal changes that impact bone growth. There are also other factors that can lead to osteoporosis like certain medications, genetics, age and other medical diagnoses.

Unfortunately there aren’t any obvious symptoms of osteoporosis, which makes it difficult to detect. Johnson explained that getting a medical exam is the most accurate way to know if bones have developed osteoporosis.

Fortunately, there are many of ways to prevent and fight against osteoporosis. The best way to slow the development of osteoporosis is to eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of calcium and to exercise. Some common foods that are high in calcium, according to the IOF, are cream based foods like whole milk and yogurt, beans and vegetables. You can find the complete list here. Exercising is also necessary, but it’s essential to do the right exercises that help fight osteoporosis safely.

“When clients are referred to us with a diagnosis of osteoporosis we make sure to address it and make a very specifically tailored plan for them,” Johnson said. “That includes strength training exercises and a lot of balance training exercises.”

The therapists at Hillcrest Physical Therapy help each client make sure they are doing the best exercises for increasing bone growth that don’t put them at risk for injury. They also work with each client to practice everyday movements in the safest way possible to reduce accidents that could lead to injury.

At Hillcrest Physical Therapy our goal is to keep our clients as independent as possible as safely as possible. To find out if you could benefit from one of Hillcrest Physical Therapy’s many therapy programs call (402) 682-4210 or visit hillcresthealth.com.

*Information provided in Hillcrest’s Therapy Thoughts newsletter and online blog posts is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace advice, treatment or a diagnosis from a certified medical professional. Please consult your health care provider with any health related issues.