Trips and falls may break my bones

Has your doctor told you your bones are becoming more brittle and that you are at risk of osteoporosis?

If left to its own devices, low bone density (osteopenia), can lead to the development of osteoporosis, placing you at risk of fracture. These conditions occur due to an imbalance in the physiological process known as bone-remodelling. Bone remodelling is a lifelong process where old bone tissues are removed and replaced with new ones.

Why is this important? As we age, the balance of removal and replacement of bone tissue becomes skewed which can result in a more brittle and fragile skeletal structure.

But it’s important to know that there is much that can be done about this. The management of osteopenia and osteoporosis is multi-pronged and will incorporate diet, lifestyle, exercise, and medical intervention. An essential component of treatment for osteopenia and osteoporosis is targeted exercise which incorporates both resistance and functional exercise within safe limits.

Resistance exercise will help build stronger muscle and bones, and slow down the development of osteoporosis; meanwhile, the incorporation of functional exercises which focuses on balance exercise will help reduce the risk of falls which means less chance of having a broken bone.

Diet and lifestyle changes are also highly recommended for the management of osteoporosis and falls management. The use of medication should be discussed with your GP.

If you need guidance with the right exercises to take good care of your bones, feel free to contact us and speak with any of our physiotherapists to discuss a management plan and we would be happy to help.