What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a very common disorder affecting the skeleton.  In a patient with Osteoporosis the bones begin to lose their minerals and support capabilities leaving the skeleton brittle and prone to fractures (breaking of a bone) commonly seen in hip, wrist or the vertebrae. Osteoporosis is the leading bone disease in the world and it is more common in older people but can affect people of any age or gender.

What is Osteopenia?

Osteopenia is the early stage of osteoporosis and when it is diagnosed it is essential that the cause of bone loss is found and addressed.

Treatment for Osteoporosis and Osteopenia

At Physiofusion we run weekly physio exercise classes to promote improvement of bone density of those diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis.

In these classes we focus on weightbearing exercises, strengthening of your muscles, general flexibility and balance. We discuss how to eliminate risk factors within your home and through interaction with others in the class, we address lifestyle changes and good everyday tips including exercises that can safely be done at home.

It’s an informal drop in, Wednesday morning class which lasts approximately 45 mins. Please contact the clinic to book your place.

Should you be unable to attend our class, individual sessions can be arranged.  The Physiotherapist will carry out a detailed assessment of your health, mobility and balance to see how these factors are affecting your ability to be physically active.  Your consultation is likely to include a range of exercises or activites that can be done at home and if you have already broken a bone, you will recieve advice on pain relief and given specific exercises.

 How can a diagnosis be made?

Osteoporosis and Osteopenia are also known as the silent disease as they usually develop without any symptoms.  A DXA (pronounced Dexa) scan of the hips and spine is currently the most reliable means of assessing bone density (structure) and the presence of the condition.  The scan is simple and painless and can be organised by your GP.

 For more information on Osteoporosis

For more information you can visit the following websites.  The respective societies offer excellent helplines to answer any further queries you may have.

 www.nos.org.uk – The National Osteoporosis Society in the UK and
www.irishosteoporosis.ie -The Irish society of Osteoporosis in Ireland