Peak bone mass density reached in your 20's

Think bone health at an early ageS

Osteoporosis treatment Bellingham, WA

As a Physical Therapist in Bellingham, WA, I have been treating clients with Osteopenia and Osteoporosis for years. Osteoporosis is a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences. Osteoporosis, a condition where bones become brittle and porous, affects over 10 million Americans. Another 40 million have low bone mass density.  It usually affects adults over the age of 50, women more than men.  However, we reach our peak bone mass density in our 20’s. This means that in our 20s, our bones will be as strong as they will ever be. We then try to maintain as much of the bone mass as possible with resistance exercise, proper nutrition, adequate-protein levels, enough sleep, and stress reduction. Although rebuilding bone can be challenging and difficult, the consequences of not making lifestyle changes can be devasting.

The role of the skeleton

It was long thought that bones primarily made up the skeleton, providing a lattice for muscles and protection for vital organs.  However, we now know there is more to the story. Hormones made in bones actually communicate with the rest of the body and may possibly have roles in muscle health, metabolism, fertility, and even appetite.  Osteocalcin, the most abundant protein in bone, is initially produced in bone and then enters the bloodstream with global effects on the body.

The importance of early exercise

Since we reach our peak bone mass density in our 20s, it is of vital importance that weight-bearing exercises are stressed to our young adults. Exercising hard in our late teens and into our 20 gives us the best possible chance of preventing osteoporosis later in life.  However, how many 20-year-olds are thinking about osteoporosis when they are 60 + years old? Not my kids!  Therefore, it is up to us: parents, teachers, educators, physical therapists, and others in the medical field to stress the importance of “Exercise for Life” beginning at a young age.  Establishing exercise as a routine can be hard, but it must be done. Your 70-year-old self will thank you.

What to do next

Your 3-step plan for improving your health, loving your life again, and taking charge of your health! 

  1. Schedule your next Physical Therapy visit with Bellingham’s premier Manual Therapy clinic, Integrative Physical Therapy today!
  2. Join our Facebook group for healthy aging tips, motivation, and a great online community 
  3. Are you over 50 and ready to Love Your Life Again? Let’s do this | Live Well 50 

 

Any questions? We have answers!

 

Cheers,

Ed Deboo, PT

Integrative Physical Therapy, Bellingham, WA