What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition where bone looses it’s density and becomes more porous. It is known as the silent disease becauses people are usually unaware they have it until they get a fracture or broken bone.
Normally bone is constantly changing, some bone degenerates and is replaced by new bone cells. As people get older there is sometimes a reduction in the amount of new bone being formed, this is what causes the bone to weaken and become more susceptible to fracture.
For more information on osteoporosis visit the Osteoporosis Society
What is Osteopenia?
Osteopenia is the early stage of Osteoporosis. It can be identified by a dexa scan and is graded in 3 stages, mild , moderate and marked.
The Irish Osteoporosis Society has an excellent website detailing all about osteopena and osteoporosis
Is Physiotherapy useful for Osteoporosis and Osteopaena?
One big concern with osteoporosis is the risk of boney damage with minimal impact and so when our physiotherapists are treating clients with osteoporosis we take extra care.
We also encourage weightbearing activities and specific postural exercises to promote good bone health and an active lifestyle.
If you have any concerns regarding osteoporosis please contact one of our Chartered Physiotherapists.
Latest Research regarding Osteoporosis
From the Annual Conference in Trinity on 30/10/2015, all recent research supports the established trends
- Diet richin calcium
- Vitamin D
- Exercise
- Strength and balance training
Are the most effective way to prevent osteoporosis, limit it’s progression and prevent fractures through falls.
We are currently planning an osteoporosis exercise class to tackle this problem. Call our clinic on 056 7752258 and register your interest in this class
