How Physical Therapy Can Help Osteoporosis

The goal of physical therapy in treating osteoporosis is to restore mobility, function, strength, and confidence, and to enhance the safety and security of your everyday life. In consultation with your physician, a licensed physical therapist can help reduce pain, prevent fractures, promote healing if a fracture is present, and help strengthen your bones through a program of exercise designed especially for you. Here's how it works:

Evaluation. Your physical therapist will begin by taking a detailed medical history. He or she will observe your general body mechanics, and may ask you to perform a series of simple physical tests to assess your condition and your capabilities. Problems with range of motion, balance, posture, strength and endurance, and body mechanics may be discovered during these tests.

Treatment. If you have an existing fracture to the vertebrae, hip, or wrist, your physical therapist can provide instructions on how to perform basic everyday activities (such as getting out of bed, loading the dishwasher, vacuuming, etc.). The physical therapist may fit you with a support to ease pain, suggest corsets and hip padding for protection should you fall, and provide you with special devices, such as long-handled "grabbers" for reaching objects. If pain persists, the physical therapist may use other treatments such as manual techniques and physical therapy modalities.

Exercise. Whether you're recovering from a fracture or trying to prevent one, exercise will likely be part of your physical therapy treatment program. Exercise is fundamental to slowing the progression of osteoporosis. Your physical therapist can design exercises to improve your posture and enhance your sense of balance. Most of these are simple and can be done at home with no special equipment.