Osteopenia and Osteoporosis
Many of our adult patients with scoliosis also have low bone mass, known more commonly as Osteopenia and Osteoporosis. As such, we have learned to become “Osteoporosis Physical Therapists” via additional training through The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF), the nation’s largest health organization solely dedicated to osteoporosis and bone health.
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become thin and porous, decreasing bone strength and leading to increased risk of breaking a bone. Men and women begin to lose bone in their mid-30’s. As women approach menopause, they lose bone at a greater rate, about 2-5% per year.
One of the best weapons against osteoporosis, for all ages, is exercise. Research supports these types of exercises for preventing fractures, maintaining bone mass, and in some cases, improving bone mass.
Strength/Resistance Training
Balance Exercises
Moderate-to-Vigorous Aerobic Exercise
Postural Exercises
Impact Exercise
Equally as important are exercises to limit in the presence of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis:
Repeated/Sustained, Weighted, End-Range, Rapid/Forceful or Combined:
Spinal Flexion
Spinal Rotation
Spinal Side Bending
Forced, End-Range Hip Rotations
If you’ve been diagnosed with any form of low bone mass and would like more guidance on how to best care for your bones via exercise, we’d love to connect with you.
80 minute evaluation: $330
50 minute follow-up: $235
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Soft and Deep Tissue Mobilization. Hands-on techniques intended to release tightness, trigger points, and restrictions in the muscles and fascia. This technique can be useful in addressing tight musculature and other soft tissues around the curvature resulting in improved mobility of the curve.
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A thorough assessment will determine if there are shortened muscles in the body that are contributing to the patient’s diagnosis. We provide both assisted stretching, as well as instruction on how to properly stretch at home.
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The body can become deconditioned for a variety of reasons: due to pain, surgery, sedentary lifestyle, and even wearing a brace. The importance of core, hip, and back strength can not be understated for those with scoliosis or spinal diagnoses, especially those who are considering bracing, are currently braced, or who have been braced in the past.
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In contrast to exercise performed purely for fitness, therapeutic exercise isolates a particular muscle group that is weak or dysfunctional. These will be implemented to complement the Schroth Method.
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Stiffness in the joints can be addressed by applying graded pressure to the joint surface.
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Utilizing small, thin needles to both activate dormant muscle tissue as well as release hypertonic muscles. This can be a great tool to reduce both acute and chronic pain, as well as improve mobility.
