“The structural weaknesses caused by osteoporosis can be significant. A simple fall can result in a broken bone,” says Soo Ahn, DPT, a physical therapist with the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center (PMC) Outpatient Rehabilitation Program. “Physical therapy can help in several ways. It can help improve posture and balance, and it can help build strength and support.”
Patients are usually referred for physical therapy by their rheumatologist, gynecologist (since the loss of hormones as a result of menopause contributes to a reduction in bone density), or primary care doctor, and treatment is generally covered by insurance.
A Range of Help is Available
At the PMC Outpatient Rehabilitation Program, patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia — the precursor to osteoporosis — are initially evaluated for posture, gait, strength, and balance. Therapy sessions are usually recommended twice a week for several weeks and then begin to taper off, as a long-term exercise program is established that can be completed at home. Throughout the process, the patient is reevaluated to track progress.
“We work on strengthening the muscles in the back, shoulders, hips, and abdomen, which provide the support for the spine and neck and help with balance as well,” says Ahn. “Training includes what to do as well as what not to do, and the exercises do not require special equipment so they can easily be continued long-term at home.”
Guidance is also provided on how to perform everyday tasks safer. “That includes reeducating people on proper posture and how to use proper body mechanics to vacuum, lift, bend, and reach safely,” says Ahn. “Over the years, we all develop bad habits when it comes to some of these things, but once you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, or osteopenia, you really need to pay attention to body mechanics.”
For more information about Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Program, call 1.888.742.7496, or visit princetonhcs.org.