Osteoporosis Can be Prevented and Treated
The NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center informs us that osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that develops when bone mineral mass and density decreases, or when the quality or structure of the bone changes. This can lead to a decrease in bone strength that in turn can lead to an increase in the risk of bone fractures. Sadly, this condition affects more than 200 million people worldwide. In fact, in the United States alone, osteoporosis and/or low bone mass in the hip joints or lower back affects 53 million older adults, and more than 80% of these are women. As common as it is, it need not be viewed as inevitable, let alone untreatable if already present. Bone is living tissue, and as such is constantly being broken down and replaced. That’s good news, because although the osteoporotic condition is what happens when the creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the loss of old, there are beneficial practices we can elect to engage in that contribute to healthy bone mass rebuilding and preservation.
Osteoporosis is sometimes called a “silent” disease because it often doesn’t cause any symptoms until it contributes to a bone fracture. This is why it is so important to establish patterns of a healthy lifestyle even if you haven’t been diagnosed with the problem. A nutritious diet rich in calcium contributes to bone regeneration and strength, and vitamin D from moderate amounts of sun exposure or supplementation also plays a significant role in bone health because it helps your body absorb more calcium. Check with your physician before adding supplements or vitamins to your diet.
A sedentary lifestyle is a big risk for developing osteoporosis. Often, people lead inactive lives not because they aren’t willing to engage in some form of health-generating exercise, but because they already are experiencing the limitations of pain, and don’t know where to begin in a safe manner. An exercise or rehabilitation program is best left to the design of those whose expertise is in prescribing the right movements, not just feeding you into a cookie-cutter, one-size-all routine.
Many scientific studies have shown that being proactive about your long-term health is an investment that pays dividends of more years of productive activity doing the things you enjoy. The physical therapists at Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida are experts who specialize in assessing individuals and crafting treatments and exercise routines that are specific to people’s most direct needs. Our doctors and assistants know how to work within a person’s current abilities while enabling them to increase their strength, restore their balance, or recover from osteoporosis-related injuries. Physical therapy is an effective, non-drug, non-surgical method of not only dealing with osteoporosis, but clearly contributing to all-around wellbeing, as it doesn’t temporarily mask pain with medications, or only isolate specific problem areas to the exclusion of your whole-body improvement. Physical therapy actually addresses root causes of pain, weakness, and imbalance, setting you up for a strong recovery. Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida are dedicated to helping you move without pain! If you are in the Bradenton or Sarasota area, find out how we can help you. Give us a call at (941) 264-1414, email Info@PTDoctorsFL.com, or send us a message.