Exercises for osteoporosis
Exercise is Medicine
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones lose density and become more prone to fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures (broken bones) can cause significant pain and disability.
Risk factors for developing osteoporosis include:
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Thinness or small frame.
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Family history of the disease.
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Being postmenopausal and particularly having had early menopause.
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Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea).
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Prolonged use of certain medications, such as those used to treat lupus, asthma, thyroid deficiencies, and seizures.
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Low calcium intake.
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Lack of physical activity.
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Smoking.
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Excessive alcohol intake.
​Osteoporosis is a silent disease until a fracture occurs. However, Osteoporosis is preventable. If left untreated, it can worsen over time without causing symptoms.
Exercise Physiology Treatment For Osteoporosis
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Exercise is an effective treatment for Osteoporosis treatment. Resistance training can reduce the risk of falls and improves bone density. The risk of osteoporosis can be significantly reduced with targeted exercise programs that include specific strength training to improve bone density levels.
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It is important to remember that improvements in bone density levels do not happen overnight. As a result, prescribing exercise for people to treat bone density issues does require additional motivational strategies. The most effective strategy for improving adherence is attending specific exercises classes. The best evidence based exercise class to treat Osteoporosis is the ONERO program.
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An exercise program for osteoporosis will always be tailored to the specific needs of the client. Exercises are carefully selected for each patient based on their functional abilities, goals, and level of confidence.