Osteoporosis

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis affects two in three women, and one in six men over the age of 60. There are no signs or symptoms of Osteoporosis, and most of the time it goes undetected until a fracture occurs. Osteoporosis occurs when the rate of bone absorption is greater than the rate of creation. Bone tissue is therefore lost, and bones become weak and brittle. Due to these structural changes to the bones there is an increased risk of fracture.

What causes Osteoporosis?

As we age the tendency to lose bone density increases, with a gradual loss of bone density beginning around 30-40 years of age. Accelerated bone loss is seen in women going through menopause due to the changes in oestrogen levels, as oestrogen to some extent helps to protect our bones. Other factors that can increase bone density loss include immobilisation, inactivity, certain medical treatments and inadequate dietary calcium and Vitamin B.

How can Activate Health help you?

Here at Activate Health we are passionate about providing top quality Exercise Physiology to ensure all our clients receive the care and outcomes they deserve. Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP’s) are trained to provide evidence-based exercise interventions to individuals at high risk of developing, or with existing, chronic conditions and injuries. Exercise is clinically proven and recommended to manage Osteoporosis. As accredited exercise physiologist we can work with you to optimise the strength of your bones through designed exercises that are safe and considerate of your health condition. Using exercise as medicine we can:

• Increase muscle mass: loss of muscle strength and balance occurs with both aging and inactivity. This leads to an increased risk of falling, therefore, increasing the risk of fracture. Exercises focusing on balance and muscle strength are important to reduce the risk of falls and fractures.
• Increase mobility and function: when load is placed on the skeleton, the loaded bones slightly deform. The slight deformity acts as a signal to the bone to make it modify its shape and/or size to prevent injury.
• Increase amount of correct exercise: Regular exercise helps improve bone structure of children and inactive adults. Exercise helps prevent age-related bone loss in active adults. Exercise improves bone structure, quality and strength.

It is highly recommended that exercise is performed 4-5 times a week. Exercise should be designed to optimise balance, muscle strength and endurance to prevent falls.

Talk to you Doctor today to request a Chronic Care Plan referral for bulk billed consultations here at Activate Health. We also take private bookings which can be partially covered by you private health fund. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any enquires on 07 4939 5696.