Osteopenia is a condition that can affect 55% of Americans aged 50 or older. It occurs when the body doesn’t make new bone as quickly as is reabsorbs old bone. Typically there are no symptoms until the condition progresses to Osteoporosis.
A physical therapy program for osteopenia/osteoporosis should include specific exercises to build bone or decrease the amount of bone loss, address proper posture, instruct in balance training, and educate in environmental adjustments to protect bone health.
Statistically, one half of women and a quarter of men over the age of 50 will sustain an osteoporosis related fracture. Sadly, most will wait until a fracture has occurred to seek physical therapy intervention.
In order to prevent fracture or further progression, we encourage those affected to begin therapy after initial diagnosis of osteopenia/osteoporosis.