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PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR WOMEN'S AND MEN'S HEALTH Osteoporosis |
| Safety measures and exercise programs for individuals impacted by osteoporosis | Osteoporosis: an overview Osteoporosis is a weakening of bone caused by hormonal changes. It develops more often in women, but it can also occur in men. For women, it may be caused by the loss of estrogen at the onset of menopause. And for either sex, the effects of long-term use of certain medications - especially steroids - can lead to osteoporosis. When a diagnosis of osteoporosis is made, it means the bones have reduced density and hardness because they have lost a vital portion of their mineral (especially calcium) content. Osteoporosis is diagnosed with a special type of bone scan.
| What services does Olympic Physical Therapy offer for those dealing with osteoporosis, or osteoporosis in combination with other musculoskeletal problems? Individuals who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis must be very careful to protect themselves from falls, because they are at a higher risk of bone fracture than the general population. Your physical therapist can provide expert advice on fall prevention measures; suggestions for daily life modifications to increase efficiency and safety; and a personalized exercise program to preserve functional strength and encourage an active lifestyle while decreasing the potential for falls and possible fractures. Exercise has been shown to improve bone density, prevent bone loss and maintain healthier bones, and it can be an important complement to medical care for patients with osteoporosis.
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