Osteoporosis
Have you broken a bone in the past 2 years? Are you post menopausal? These are just a few indicators of possible osteoporosis. Have you been tested for osteoporosis?
Comprehensive Physical Therapy Center, Inc. (CPTC) will help you manage osteoporosis, maintain or improve your posture, educate you on bone health, and build better bones.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a silent and potentially disabling disease that is characterized by a decrease in bone mass. Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more fragile and increasing the risk of fracture. 1.5 million fractures occur annually in the United States as a result of osteoporosis. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), it is estimated that 50% of people with hip, spinal, and wrist fractures will not regain the quality of life that they had before the fracture.
In the United States:
- 10 million people have osteoporosis and another 34 million are at risk of developing the condition (NOF).
- 1 out of 4 men over the age of 50 is at risk for having an osteoportic fracture (NOF).
- 40% of women over 50 will have an osteoporosis related fracture in their lifetime (Journal of Bone Mineral Research).
What Can I Do If I Have Osteoporosis?
There are a variety of exercises and lifestyle modifications that may benefit you. You can improve your independence and function by doing physical therapy.
Benefits of Exercise Include:
- Increase growth of new bone.
- Build healthy bones & muscles.
- Improved bone mineral content.
- Strengthen muscles, which helps increase bone density & function.
- Improve muscle tone.
- Reduce incidence of sprains, muscle strains, and fractures.
- Help manage your weight.
- Improve general endurance and flexibility.
- Help prevent falls.
- Improve balance and coordination.
Specifically, our physical therapy intervention aims at increasing bone density via weight bearing coupled with specific strengthening exercises and fall prevention programs. This proactive model incorporates current evidence based research to reduce fractures and support quality of life for those who have Osteoporosis or who are at high risk of developing the disease.
What Should I Expect?
At CPTC you will be evaluated by a licensed physical therapist who will objectively assess your strength, balance, posture, flexibility, and mobility. Your thorough musculoskeletal examination will also include functional testing to help determine areas for improvement. Your therapist will help you establish goals for your treatment. Then, an individualized rehabilitation program will be designed to guide you toward your goals. Portions of your rehabilitation program may include education on bone health, posture, and spine pain as well as specific strengthening exercises and activities to improve gait, balance, and other functional tasks.
Who Should I See?
Physical therapists are uniquely trained to assess and treat your musculoskeletal system. At CPTC we truly take an individualized approach to helping you meet your goals and maximize your potential.
About Our Team
CPTC's osteoporosis team consists of Meg Gleim, PT, MHS, OCS, Opal Riddle, PT and Dawn Westfall, MPT. Together they have developed this comprehensive program.
Meg Gleim, PT, MHS, OCS has over 15 years of experience in the orthopedic setting. She graduated from Saint Louis University and then completed her Masters of Health Science with orthopedic emphasis at University of Indianapolis. Meg is also a board certified clinical specialist in orthopedics. She has experience in treating musculoskeletal conditions including pain, osteoporosis, and spinal problems.
Opal Riddle, PT is a co-owner of CPTC and is the clinical coordinator of our osteoporosis program. Opal graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor Degree in Health Science from University of Kentucky. Opal has experience in treating patients with craniomandibular dysfunction, osteoporosis, spinal conditions and other musculoskeletal disorders.
Dawn Westfall, MPT received her Master of Physical Therapy Degree from the University of Cincinnati. Dawn has presented on the topic of balance and fall risk factors in the elderly population at the Ohio Physical Therapy Association's State Conference. She remains very active in developing educational materials for osteoporosis patients.
All of us at CPTC welcome the opportunity to talk with you; exploring ways we can meet your needs. In addition to osteoporosis we offer treatment for gait and balance disorders as well as women's health issues. Please feel free to contact our office with any questions you have regarding this program.
- Download our comprehensive booklet on osteoporosis including nutrition, safety, and exercises.
- This booklet is for educational purposes only and not intended as a replacement for medical consultation. You should speak with a health care professional prior to making significant changes in your diet and exercise routine.
- Links to medical journal articles for evidence based practice.
- Links to helpful websites on osteoporosis:
Here's to your health!
Download and print our osteoporosis handout.