What do 10 million Americans have in common? Osteoporosis: what exactly

is it and how does one prevent it in the first place? As physical

therapists, we evaluate to find a diagnosis and treat accordingly. But

so many times I think we miss the first step of this which is

prevention. Integrative Physical Therapy in Bellingham, Washington, is your choice for Osteoporosis and Osteopenia treatment. What can one do now, before such a diagnosis, to delay the

onset or prevent it completely? But first, let’s make sure you are NOT doing exercises that may make things worse.  My hope is that this information will

inspire you to be a little more active, eat a little healthier, and

celebrate being healthy every day.

 

Our bodies are constantly forming new bones. When we are young, the new

bone is formed faster than the old bone is lost. Peak bone mass is

achieved at some point in our 20s. At this point, we continue to form new bone

but at a slower rate.  As we age, bone loss may become more than

bone production. In women, bone loss increases after menopause and this is when osteopenia or osteoporosis can occur. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 10 million Americans are estimated to have osteoporosis and 34 million

more have low bone mass, also known as osteopenia which can be a

precursor to osteoporosis.

 

Research has found that a person can always work on maintaining

healthy bones. Eating a diet high in calcium and Vitamin D and

exercising all influence bone health.

 

Weight-bearing and muscle

strengthening exercises have the most impact on making bones stronger.

 

Weight-bearing exercises can range from hiking (which is in abundance

here in the Pacific Northwest!) and running to dancing and playing

tennis. For people who cannot tolerate higher impact activities, low-impact activities also help keep bones strong. Some low-impact

activities include elliptical machines and fast walking. ***The great

thing about weight-bearing exercises is that it is something a person

should fit into their daily life for enjoyment.*** Muscle-strengthening exercises include activities that use some form of

weight or resistance against gravity. These include lifting weights

(free weights or weight machines), using resistance bands, or using

your own body weight (yoga or Pilates). If you do have osteoporosis,

some motions may not be safe to perform and one should check with a

professional for the most appropriate exercises.

 

Everyone’s life can get hectic, so the good news about exercise is

that it can be performed all in one-time frame, or separated into

shorter sessions throughout the day. Weight-bearing exercise should be

performed for 30 minutes most days of the week and muscle

strengthening should be performed 2-3 days per week. I encourage you to

take a little time for yourself each day, go for a hike or a walk,

something you enjoy. You will feel better, walk a little taller, and

maybe even find a new hobby you enjoy!

Please let us know if you have any questions. Schedule your visit now!