Can Physical Therapy for Osteoporosis Strengthen Your Bones?

What can physical therapy do to prevent a fracture?

Quite a lot, actually.

Physical therapy for osteoporosis and its associated exercises not only improve balance but they also strengthen bones, which is a huge benefit to those who have this disease. Osteoporosis causes brittle bones, and those with the illness are at much greater risk of serious fractures.

We’ll take a closer look at some of these exercises, how they strengthen your bones, and helpful tips on how to slow the progression of osteoporosis.

If, in the unfortunate event that you do experience a fracture, our rehabilitation services, coupled with our experienced physical therapists, can help you return to your regular activities as soon as it is safely possible. Our PTs are also proactive: they can prescribe exercises that improve your balance and dramatically reduce the chances of another fall or fracture.

What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy for Osteoporosis?

There are several benefits of physical therapy for osteoporosis–including strengthening your bones. Often, physical therapy involves weight-bearing exercises, and these are critical to your bone health.

Why are weight-bearing exercises important? Because the load of gravity on your bones will prompt your bone cells to strengthen areas that are weaker. This is best illustrated by the balance between bone formation and bone breakdown that occurs every day.

Some factors—such as age, low estrogen or long periods of inactivity–can cause excessive bone breakdown and not enough bone formation.

However, even moderate exercise improves your bone health by including certain self-repair processes in your body, releasing certain hormones and anti-inflammatory substances. In some cases, it can affect genetic processes related to bone health, helping bone-building cells work more efficiently.

What Types of Exercises May Be Prescribed?

Some exercises we suggest include:

• Walking, whether hiking, using a treadmill or evening walking in place using a chair for balance
• Low-impact aerobic exercise
• Running
• Climbing stairs
• Lifting weights

It’s important to note that exercise programs for those with osteoporosis are more about balance and stabilization than aerobic exercise. In fact, there are some movements that aren’t appropriate for those with osteoporosis, especially if they have had fractures (particularly spinal fractures).

We advise that you speak with your physician before engaging in any activities that involve:

• A lot of bending at your waist.
• Twisting movements (like the kind you would use playing golf)
• High-impact exercises (like jumping)

In addition, physical therapy:

• Improves balance, which can not only strengthen your ankles and feet but also reduces your risk of falling 
• Reduces chronic pain
• Keeps osteoporosis from progressing

If you have osteoporosis, we encourage you to speak with one of our leading orthopedic surgeons in Myrtle Beach and Horry County. They’ll be able to direct you toward physical therapy resources that will show which exercises would be the most beneficial while minimizing your risk of falls.

Can Physical Therapy Completely Cure Osteoporosis?

While physical therapy can’t completely cure osteoporosis, it can slow its progression, promote bone health, and help prevent falls. In addition, weight-bearing exercises can prevent osteoporosis from forming.

Let Us Guide You Toward A Healthier Life Through Our Physical Therapy Services at Conway Medical Center

Physical therapy isn’t just about recovering from an injury—it’s also about being proactive to prevent injuries. Those with osteoporosis are at much greater risk of experiencing a serious fracture, and physical therapy for osteoporosis can strengthen bones, improve balance, and reduce the risk of breaking a bone.

Need more information? Talk to your primary care provider about a referral to our physical therapy rehabilitation services.

The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.

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Sources:

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, “Staying Healthy: Osteoporosis Prevention,” https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/osteoporosis-prevention/

Osteoporosis Foundation, “Prevention,” https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/prevention

Zhang Lin , Zheng Yi-Li , Wang Rui , Wang Xue-Qiang , Zhang Hao, “Exercise for osteoporosis: A literature review of pathology and mechanism,” Frontiers in Immunology 13:2002 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.1005665