As we age, many people experience a loss of bone density. This loss of bone density, often referred to as ‘bone loss’, leads to making our bones more brittle, putting us at a higher risk of fracture.
Unfortunately, this bone loss isn’t something we can feel and it can only be measured with a medical test called a DEXA Scan. If you have had a DEXA Scan and have bone loss, your doctor may tell you you have osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Osteopenia means you have a little bone loss, whereas osteoporosis means you have more extensive loss. Both need to be taken seriously and treated as your doctor prescribes... which should include exercise.
Who is at risk of osteoporosis?
- Females
- Caucasian or Asian decent
- Over 50 years old
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Small body frame
- Decreased calcium intake and or an eating disorder
- Long-term use of certain medications like steroids or cortisone
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive alcohol and/or tobacco use
- Some medical conditions like an overactive thyroid, bowel disease, asthma, kidney or liver disease, cancer, Rheumatoid arthritis and or chronic pain
Doing exercise when you have osteoporosis is critical, but doing it on your own can be dangerous. If you do the wrong exercise or do the exercise incorrectly you may end up causing the very injuries you are trying to prevent.
As Movement Specialists For Seniors, our team is uniquely qualified to create an individualized exercise plan for YOU, taking into account all of your medical issues, including osteoporosis. We then teach you how to do the exercises so you have a program you can follow after you are discharged from physical therapy.
Once you have a better understanding of what activities you should or shouldn’t do you will be able to get on with life without the constant fear of injury.
If you want to learn more about Osteoporosis request the FREE report.
If you are ready to start an exercise program...we are ready to help. Just request an appointment!
Request An Appointment