Osteoporosis is a common condition of skeletal bone that involves a decrease of bone density. This increases your risk to fractures, particularly of the hip, wrist, and spine. You may be diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia (early stage bone loss) by a Dexa scan. Blood tests are also used to provide information on how much calcium is absorbed by the body and at what rate the bone is being lost. Depending on these results, your GP or Specialist will decide whether any medication is indicated. There are some important dietary changes to also consider to ensure it is sufficiently high in calcium and vitamin D. Foods which provide these essential nutrients in a natural form are egg yolks and oily fish, such as salmon, are good sources of Vitamin D; dairy products and green leafy vegetables e.g. spinach, kale and broccoli will supply calcium. Snacking on nuts, almond, brazil and cashew nuts is beneficial as they are also high in calcium.
Exercise is essential if you have osteoporosis and even in cases of osteopenia. Weight-bearing exercise will stimulate the production of bone in the skeleton provided you have adequate dietary intake. The Irish Osteoporosis Society recommends an assessment by a Chartered physiotherapist before commencing any form of new exercise. This will ensure the most appropriate type and intensity of exercise and ensure the best results possible.
At Imokilly Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic we will provide an exercise plan based on a form of exercise that you value and enjoy. Exercises will improve strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, coordination and emphasise good posture. You are much more likely to stick with exercise which is fun and tailored to fit into a daily routine.
Cork Sports Partnership have a new initiative called “Fit4life”. Click here for more details.
For further information on Physiotherapy and the services available, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Imokilly Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic at (021) 4636642 or email appointments@imokillyphysio.com
Book your appointment online now!
Please do not attend your physio session if you are feeling unwell.
