What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become fragile and brittle. They fracture more easily than normal bone. Even a minor bump or fall can cause a serious fracture. The most common are bones in the hip, spine, wrist, ribs, pelvis and upper arm.
Who is affected by Osteoporosis?
Half of all women and one-third of men over 60 years old in Australia will have a fracture due to osteoporosis. It is a major cause of injury and long-term disability, with one fifth of people who suffer a hip fracture dying within six months.
To book an appointment for initial Osteoporosis consultation, call us at Carlingford (02) 9871 2022 or Kellyville (02) 9672 6752 clinics today.
What contributes to Osteoporosis?
- Heredity
- Hormone levels (oestrogen and testosterone)
- Physical activity status
- Diet
- Female (Menopause)
- Smoking
- High alcohol intake
- Low body weight
- Low calcium intake
- Falls
- Age
- Long term corticosteroid use (eg prednisone)
- Rheumatoid arthritis, chronic liver disease, kidney failure
- Over-active thyroid or parathyroid glands
How to preventing Osteoporosis?
Reduce your risk by:
- Having a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
- Weight-bearing, high impact and strengthening exercises (such as walking and weight training)
- Taking a bone density test (if appropriate)
- Consulting with your doctor
- Smoking cessation
- Decreasing alcohol intake
How can physiotherapy help prevent/treat Osteoporosis?
Consult with our PPS Physiotherapist in Kellyville and Carlingford today. For prevention and treatment, we can provide you with a thorough assessment and pinpoint any contributing factors involved with the development of osteoporosis. From there, a functional, fun, safe, and supervised exercise program can be individually designed to help you combat and ultimately prevent osteoporosis.
