Osteoporosis Exercise Classes Melbourne
Osteopenia & Osteoporosis
What Are Osteopenia & Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose minerals such as calcium more quickly than the bones can absorb them, leading to a loss of bone density.
Osteopenia and osteoporosis are characterised by a decrease in the strength of the skeleton and an increased risk of bone fracture. Bone strength is reduced because of a decrease in bone density and changes to bone structure. Osteopenia is simply a less advanced state of bone loss than osteoporosis.
Osteopenia and osteoporosis are commonly associated with ageing and changes in hormone levels, or may be associated with other health conditions, e.g. inflammatory conditions or gastrointestinal conditions, or a side effect from prolonged use of medications such as steroids.
Osteoporosis can also affect young people and men. Women are more at risk because of the rapid decline of oestrogen levels in menopause. Osteoporosis has a definite Genetic component. You should always be aware of a family history of low bone density, and check yourself early if this history exists.
How is Osteopenia & Osteoporosis Diagnosed?
Osteopenia and osteoporosis are generally diagnosed by measuring bone mineral density using a DXA scan, or when individuals sustain a fracture from a minimal trauma. Your GP can refer you for a DXA scan.
More information about these conditions can be found at osteoporosis.org.au.
GLEN EIRA PHYSIOTHERAPY
Osteoporosis Exercise Programs
Glen Eira Physiotherapy, Professor Andrew Briggs, Lucas Hoare and Jodi Hendler have a special interest in the prescription of osteoporosis exercise programs. The osteoporosis exercise programs are designed specifically for each patient. They will include, weight bearing and resistance exercises, balance training, postural re-education and thoracic spine health and flexibility. Our physios will also advise you on risk factors and exercises to avoid. Clients who participate in our clinical rehab physiolates programs should notify us if they have low bone density. It is important that their physiolates programs are adapted to include higher resistance and weight bearing exercises.
Prior to joining our Osteoporosis classes, our patients are required to book in for an initial assessment as well as undergo several private exercise sessions in order to ensure your program is safe and appropriate. We do not follow a “recipe” approach for bone density, each patient is different and often we need to address musculoskeletal injuries and take them into account when designing a program.
GLEN EIRA PHYSIOTHERAPY
Our Approach to Osteoporosis and Osteopenia Treatment
We take a proactive and holistic approach to the management and treatment of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Our highly experienced physiotherapists will work with your GP and/or any other healthcare professionals on your team to address your individual management needs.
Each person’s treatment and management will differ, and may include:
Assessing Your Fracture Risk
We will assess your risk for fractures. You may be able to gain some insight into your risk by using the FRAX® Fracture Risk Assessment Tool, which you can find on their website.
Lifestyle Advice
Whether you may benefit from lifestyle changes, nutrition advice (including calcium and Vitamin D), or a shift in the way you exercise, we take your personal circumstances into account to build the best possible plan for you. To assess your own calcium intake, try the new International Osteoporosis Foundation calcium calculator or download the App.
Physical Activity Program Development
Development of a physical activity program to address bone mineral density. This may include a home program, gym program, or a program specifically designed for our Pilates studio.
Education
Education is incredibly important when it comes to your bone health. With in-depth knowledge and years of experience, our skilled physiotherapists have the information you need.
Exercise Prescription
We focus on specific, safe exercises tailored to you. With these, our aim is to help you improve your strength, posture, spinal flexibility, and balance.
Balance Assessment
We can perform a complete assessment of your balance and work on management of your balance over time.
GLEN EIRA PHYSIOTHERAPY
Your Osteopenia and Osteoporosis Questions Answered
- Being assigned female at birth
- Having a direct relative who has had an osteoporotic fracture
- Inadequate dietary calcium
- Low vitamin D levels
- Cigarette smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
- High caffeine intake
- Lack of physical activity
- Early menopause (before age 45)
- Loss of menstrual period
- Long-term use of certain medications such as corticosteroids
Certain conditions that may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis or osteopenia include:
- Thyroid disease
- Overactive thyroid gland
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Coeliac disease
- Inflammatory bowel conditions
Both men and women may be able to reduce their risk by:
- Maintaining a healthy and diverse diet including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Consuming foods rich in calcium to support bone health such as dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods
- Ensuring adequate absorption of vitamin D by spending time outdoors and incorporating dietary sources such as fatty fish and fortified products
- Avoiding smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Moderating caffeine intake
- Engaging in regular weight-bearing and strength-training exercises including walking, jogging, dancing, and weightlifting
Bone mineral density refers to the amount of minerals, mainly calcium, present in your bones. You could think of it as the density or strength of your bones. Having good bone mineral density is important because it indicates how strong and sturdy your bones are. When you have healthy bone mineral density, your bones are less likely to break or fracture easily.
Bone mineral density can change throughout your life. During childhood and adolescence, your bones grow and become stronger, reaching their peak density in early adulthood. However, as you get older, especially after the age of 30, your bones naturally start to lose some of their mineral content. This is a normal part of ageing.
Healthcare professionals can measure your bone mineral density using a painless test called a DXA scan. This test helps determine if your bones are healthy or if you have osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Find Us
Osteopenia & Osteoporosis Treatment Near Me: Get Directions From Your Location
If you would like to speak to one of our team members or make an appointment, please call us on (03) 9571 2111 or book online now.
Physiolates have been providing comprehensive care to patients in Melbourne’s South East. We are a multi-disciplinary clinic with highly experienced staff dedicated to providing high-quality care to our patients.
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