Osteoporosis affects millions of people and is the second biggest health problem worldwide. Osteoporosis is the condition wherein the bones lose mass and the bone tissues deteriorate. Osteoporosis makes bones thin, fragile, and highly susceptible to fractures.
How does osteoporosis occur? The body continuously eliminates and creates bone cells. As a person grows old, usually starting in the 30’s, the body’s process of creating bone cells becomes slower than the process of removing them resulting in a great deficit in bone mass. In addition to aging, other factors that make a person at risk of osteoporosis are smoking, sedentary lifestyle, early menopause, and family history.
Known as a silent disease, osteoporosis manifests itself only when the condition is already serious. Most people who suffer from osteoporosis had no idea they had the disease until they experience a fracture or severe pain in the back. What most people are not aware of is you can prevent this disease early in life through exercise and daily calcium intake.
For those at risk of developing osteoporosis or already diagnosed with it, physical therapy for osteoporosis is one of the best ways to fight this disease. Many qualified physical therapists specialize in the treatment of osteoporosis. Physical therapy for osteoporosis begins with a thorough physical evaluation where the therapist identifies restrictions, imbalances and, specifically, what activities and movements the patient is capable of or is limited to doing. The evaluation serves as the basis for the creation of a customized physical therapy program
Physical therapy for osteoporosis patients without a fracture includes strengthening exercises and resistance exercises intended to increase bone mass and make bone-supporting muscles stronger to help prevent fractures. To ease the stress on your bones, your physical therapist will also teach you about body balance, body mechanics and posture. Your therapist will also work with you to find out if there are any risks to you at home and at work such as specific activities that can lead to bone fracture.
Physical therapy for osteoporosis patients suffering a fracture involves specific exercises and other treatment methods designed for pain relief and bone strengthening as well as prevention of fractures in the future.
In addition to exercises, physical therapy for osteoporosis may also include massage, manual therapy, exercises such as Pilates, tai chi and yoga and heat and cold therapies for pain management.
Physical therapy for osteoporosis seeks to strengthen bones, increase flexibility and manage pain. It also increases the patient’s awareness of the body and develops responsibility for their own health.
Caring for Your Pet with Physical Therapy for Dogs
Physical therapy for dogs is available to help your pet recover whether your dog is old and suffering from arthritis or an injured younger dog or even a puppy. Your veterinarian will recommend the best time for your dog to undergo rehabilitation.
Some of the common canine conditions treated by physical therapy are hip dysplasia, hip surgery, low back problems, stroke, neurological disorders and obesity or weight control.
A common method of physical therapy for dogs is pool therapy, which involves water exercises to strengthen different muscles with less stress on the joints and muscle soreness. The main advantage of pool therapy is water buoyancy, which reduces the force of gravity and therefore the impact of the exercises on muscles and joints. This allows physical therapy for dogs to start almost immediately after injury or surgery with longer exercise sessions, helping injured dogs recover faster. Examples of exercises done under water are weight-bearing or resistance exercises, treadmill exercises, and range-of-motion exercises.
In addition to exercise programs, physical therapy for dogs may also include manual techniques such as myofascial release and joint mobilization as well as massage. The benefits of massage to humans are the same for dogs. Massage increases blood circulation, relieves stress and reduces muscle tension, among other known benefits.
Other methods of physical therapy for dogs are ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation or electrotherapy, often used to treat muscle disorders, and light therapy, which enhances immune and lymphatic processes, improves circulation, minimizes inflammation, heals wounds, and reduces scarring.
Just like human patients, physical therapy for dogs starts with the therapist’s evaluation followed by a series of therapy sessions. The length of physical therapy for dogs varies depending on the dog’s condition. Some cases require once a week therapy sessions while the more extensive programs may require three sessions each week for several weeks. Physical therapy for dogs lasts until the dog’s has completely recovered or the owner is satisfied with the dog’s improvement.
You will find many individuals who offer physical therapy for dogs. A qualified animal therapist should have completed an accredited certificate program such as the one offered by the Animal Rehabilitation Institute which includes the study of canine anatomy and physiology, management of orthopedic conditions and neurological disorders in dogs, physical therapy rehabilitation techniques and modalities, among others. Before you put your pet in the hands of a therapist, always make sure that person has received the proper education and training in animal or canine rehabilitation.
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