Your dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan results came back, and the results show that you have low bone density. Also called osteoporosis, this condition can put you at higher risk of a bone fracture. However, there are ways physical therapists in O’Fallon, Missouri, can help with this condition. Here are two specific ways osteoporosis physical therapy can help you:
1. Show you bone-building exercises
Not everyone is aware that bones can be exercised just like muscles can. When you have osteoporosis, finding exercises that help build bone or at least slow bone loss are important. Physical therapists can help you find exercises that can help with this.
One type of exercise they can show you for osteoporosis is weight-bearing exercise. These exercises are designed to place the bones under a specific amount of stress, and this stress prompts the bone to grow. An example of a weight-bearing exercise you might be asked to do during physical therapy is heel drops.
Resistance exercises can also promote bone growth if done properly. Physical therapists can show you how to correctly do resistance exercises that maximize this potential. For instance, they might show you how to do resistance band exercises or how to safely do gravity exercises like push-ups. Also, therapists can help you learn which exercises to avoid to reduce your risk of bone fractures.
2. Help improve your balance
People with poor balance are more likely to fall, and these falls can easily lead to a broken bone if you have osteoporosis. If you’re having difficulty maintaining your balance, part of your osteoporosis physical therapy may be balance techniques.
To determine what is causing your balance issues, physical therapists will typically evaluate how you walk and perform other balance-related movements. Then, they’ll develop a plan to help treat balance problems. For instance, they may have you perform balance movements like standing on one leg, and these movements can help strengthen the muscles and ligaments that help you keep your balance. Also, therapists can help you learn how to use movement assistance devices like walkers if you need them.
Come to Excel Sports & Physical Therapy for osteoporosis physical therapy in O’Fallon, MO
Our team at Excel Sports & Physical Therapy is proud to have a clinic that serves the residents of O’Fallon. We’re trained to help people with many types of injuries and medical conditions, including osteoporosis. The first step in your therapy process here will be a free screening, and this is designed to help us learn as much as possible about your condition. Using this knowledge, we’ll create an individualized therapy plan for you, which can include therapy techniques like:
- Kinesiotherapy
- Manual therapy
- Therapeutic exercise
- ASTYM® therapy
Take the next step to get our help with your osteoporosis treatment. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
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