OSTEOPOROSIS MANAGEMENT PHYSIOTHERAPY
Osteoporosis is an advanced stage condition where the bone has become thin, weak and fragile, such that even a bump or minor accident may cause a broken bone. With an estimated 1.2 million people with osteoporosis and a further 6.3 million individuals with low bone density, osteoporosis is very common.
Our physiotherapists have extensive experience in providing evidence-based exercise-based rehabilitation for individuals with osteoporosis/osteopenia. We work with our clients to create specialised treatment and exercise programs tailored to each individual based on their medical and injury history, osteoporosis symptoms, lifestyle, and environmental factors (access to equipment, gym, etc.).
Backed by over 1,800 five-star Google reviews from satisfied clients across our clinics, we are committed to delivering the highest-quality osteoporosis management physiotherapy for our clients. Book a consultation at our Chatswood, Sydney CBD, North Sydney, Mosman, or Hornsby locations and get back to living a healthy and pain-free life.
Common conditions that we treat
SPORTS/GYM
Muscle injuries
Joint sprains
Gym injuries
Meniscus injuries
ACL or MCL injuries
Running injuries
Tendinopathy (tendinitis)
WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?
Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose minerals, such as calcium, more quickly than the body can replace them, resulting in a loss of bone thickness (reduced bone density or mass). This is through a process called “bone remodelling”. Throughout our lifetime, new bone cells are produced (bone formation), and old bone cells are broken down and removed (bone resorption).
When the rate of bone resorption increases without a corresponding increase in bone formation (due to mineral loss), it causes an overall change in the structural integrity of our bones. Early onset of this condition is termed Osteopenia, where the bones have started to become weaker than normal, but not as advanced as Osteoporosis.
Any bone can be affected by osteoporosis, but the most common sites are the hip, spine, wrist, upper arm, forearm or ribs. Fractures in the spine due to osteoporosis can result in changes in posture and height loss. Osteoporosis usually has no symptoms until a fracture occurs, which is why osteoporosis is often called the 'silent disease'.
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How Our Physios Help
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OUR SYDNEY PHYSIOTHERAPIST TEAM
Dr Calvin Lai
General & Sports Chiropractic
Speaks English & Basic Cantonese
My passion is to help my patients live pain free in their daily lives or sport.
Every treatment plan is unique for each of my patients, utilising hands-on techniques such as remedial massage, chiropractic adjustments, and joint mobilisation.
These treatments are complemented by tailored rehabilitative exercises designed to relax overworked muscles while strengthening weaker ones.
How is Osteoporosis diagnosed?
Osteoporosis is classified based on your Bone Mineral Density (BMD). When you go for a bone mineral density scan, you will receive a T-score, which represents the density of your bone compared to the healthy population of the same age. They will then classify your bone health into three categories:
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Osteoporosis: <-2.5
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Osteopenia: -1 to -2.5
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Normal bone: >-1
As well as seeking help from a physio, you should consult your local General Practitioner, who may refer you to a bone density scan - DEXA scans are the gold standard. This will enable your treatment to be more specific to the level of bone density.
Osteoporosis Physiotherapy Treatment
Treatment for osteoporosis can vary depending on whether your condition is classified as osteoporosis or osteopenia. In most cases, the less fragile your bones are, the more we can load with resistance exercises to stimulate bone growth and strength.
General treatment for osteoporosis:
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Progressive resistance-based training (using body weight, Therabands, or weights that are progressively increased over time), 3-4 times a week.
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Weight-bearing low-impact activities: walking, yoga, mat pilates, and Tai Chi.
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Balance exercises and falls prevention training
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Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation (your local GP should advise you on this)
General treatment for osteopenia:
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Progressive resistance-based training (using body weight, Therabands, or weights that are progressively increased over time), 3-4 times a week.
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Weight-bearing moderate to high impact activities (depending on the severity of the OPA): running/jogging, brisk walking, stair climbing, basketball/netball, impact aerobics, dancing/gymnastics, tennis, skipping.
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Balance exercises and falls prevention training
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Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation (again, your GP should advise you on this)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is at risk of developing osteoporosis?
Some individuals may have certain ‘risk factors’ that make them more likely to develop osteoporosis than others, such as:
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Family history: Bone health can be strongly inherited so consider your family history of osteoporosis. It is important to note if anyone in your family (particularly parents or siblings) has ever been diagnosed with osteoporosis, broken a bone from a minor fall or rapidly lost height. These can indicate low bone density.
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Low calcium levels: Adults require 1,000 mg of calcium per day, which increases to 1,300 mg per day for women over 50 and men over 70 years old.
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Low vitamin D levels: Vitamin D is needed for your body to absorb calcium, so ensure you get enough sun exposure.
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Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle habits can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, including low levels of physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and weight (thin body build or excessive weight).
Women are at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis because of the rapid decline in oestrogen levels during menopause. As oestrogen levels decrease, bones lose calcium and other minerals at a much faster rate, leading to more ‘bone resorption’.
Men also lose bone as they age; however, testosterone levels in men decline more gradually, so their bone mass remains adequate till later in life.
Is resistance-based training important for osteoporosis?
A customised resistance-based training program (strength training) is crucial for improving bone density. As our muscles lengthen and shorten to contract (e.g., going down and then up in a squat), creating a pull on the tendons and ligaments (which both attach to bones). This pull creates an internal stimulus that travels through the bone, which gradually encourages more bone formation.
Will weight-bearing activities be part of my osteoporosis management plan?
In most cases, weight-bearing activities will be part of your osteoporosis management and treatment plan. However, your physiotherapist will assess your bone health and determine whether weight-bearing activities are appropriate for your specific condition.
Similar to strength training, weight-bearing activities, such as running, jumping, and hopping, create an external stimulus that travels through the body, encouraging new bone formation and thus improving bone density. Performing weight-bearing exercises in general will also have a more carry-over effect on balance, stability, and strength compared to seated exercises.
Do you need a referral to see a physiotherapist?
Short answer - no. You can book an appointment with a physiotherapist to start your treatment at your convenience. However, it is more beneficial to have a bone density scan prior to starting treatment, so that your physiotherapist can determine exactly what stage you are at and tailor your program more specifically to your needs. Your GP can refer you to this service and also write a Medicare rebate referral plan, which can be addressed to your physiotherapist.
What happens if osteoporosis is left untreated?
Osteoporosis is a deterioration of bone density – as our bones become progressively weaker, we are increasingly prone to fractures or breaks if we fall. Leaving osteoporosis untreated can reduce the body’s ability to handle force in everyday life, making us more susceptible to conditions like lower back, hip, and wrist pain.