Osteoporosis Treatment – Manchester

Physiotherapy is an absolute “must-do” if you have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis.

Our team consists of experienced Physiotherapists that are all part of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and registered with HCPC.

We can provide you with advice and education on osteoporosis treatment, your condition, help you strengthen your bones and muscles, work on balance to help prevent falls and help manage your pain with a combination of manual therapy and exercise rehabilitation.

We have experience with patients of all age groups and fall prevention protocols. We will sit down with you and help determine what is the best treatment/prevention plan specifically for you.

Our aim is to aid you with your pain and help make your life easier and get you back to feeling safe and strong.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects your bones by making them weaker, more fragile and more susceptible to fractures. It occurs when the creation of new bone does not keep up with the removal of old bone.

It is progressive, with a slow development over the years and often goes undiagnosed until you suffer a minor fall or an impact that leads to a bone break.

Osteoporosis Facts

Osteoporosis affects over 3 million people in the UK;
It is more common in women, especially post-menopausal women (>45 years of age);
You are at risk of developing osteoporosis if you are taking steroids;
The most common injuries seen in those with osteoporosis are: wrist and hip fractures, or fractures of the vertebrae (spinal bones);
If you have Osteoporosis a cough or sneeze may cause a rib fracture.

Osteoporosis Causes

There are multiple reasons for getting Osteoporosis; the main causes are out of our control like genetics, aging and being part of the female gender. Women are more predisposed due to hormonal imbalances, especially after menopause.

There are other causes, however, that we do have more control over, for example:

Prolonged use of corticosteroids
Low Body Mass Index (BMI)
Long term consumption of alcohol
Smoking
Other medical conditions:
- Hormonal
- Malabsorption
- Inflammatory conditions
- Etc

Osteoporosis Symptoms

There are usually no symptoms in the initial stages of bone density loss, hence why it goes undiagnosed for so long. However, once your bones have become weakened and brittle the symptoms may include:

Back pain – due to a fracture or collapsed vertebrae;
Loss of height;
Stooped posture;
Fractures that occur more easily than expected;

Osteoporosis Treatment

Osteoporosis treatment is focused on keeping your bones as strong as possible in order to prevent fractures. The best approach is a combination of physio to help improve strength and balance, as well as specific medicines prescribed by your GP. For example: bisphosphonates to slow down bone loss; denosumab to block cells that break down bone; teriparatide to stimulate bone being made; and raloxifene to copy the effects of oestrogen in the body.

Osteoporosis – Self-help advice

Don’t stop, STAY active with regular low intensity exercise
- Weight bearing exercises (walking, or dancing)
Hydrotherapy
Work on your balance IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
Eat healthy – food rich in calcium and vitamin D
Take calcium supplements and Vitamin D tablets
Stop smoking
Reduce your alcohol intake
Use hot and cold treatments – Hot baths when feeling stiff and achy and cold packs when inflammation occurs
Wear sensible/well-fitting shoes
Good lighting on the stairs
Get your eyesight checked regularly
Avoid heavy lifting

Get In Touch

If you suffer from osteoporosis, and need help from a qualified physiotherapist, then get in touch with us on 0161 833 3008 or email info@totalrestore.co.uk.

We work with the main insurance companies like BUPA and AXA, as well as private patients. To find out more about Manchester’s leading physio clinic and why choose us for osteoporosis treatment, click here.