OSTEOPOROSIS

Course overview

Physical Therapists help injured patients become mobile again, and provide support and retraining for people with permanent and temporary disabilities and those recovering from surgery and cardiac events. In order to help the patient achieve optimum rehabilitative goals, the therapist must have a basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology, and the factors that contribute to both impairment and restorative function. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, one in two women and one in four men aged 50 and older will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture. The specific role of the physical therapist in helping to manage osteoporosis is addressed in this home study course. Physical therapy can help manage and prevent osteoporosis as well as reduce falls and injuries for those diagnosed with the disease. The physical therapist can assess the patient’s posture, balance, strength, and flexibility and then design an exercise/activity program to target each patient’s specific needs. The physical therapist can also play a key role in osteoporosis management and rehabilitation after an osteoporosis-related fall. The OT can assist patients with evaluating lifestyle, home environment, and activities of daily living to ensure the safety of functioning in their daily life. The PT will work closely with other team members in addressing the following therapy goals: • Maintain or increase bone mass density using proper exercise techniques • Improve muscle strength, balance, and cardiovascular fitness • Improve posture • Improve psychological well-being • Prevent fractures • Reduce falls • Provide education This course on “osteoporosis” will also help physical therapists comprehend the pathophysiological processes involved in the presentation of symptoms in this disorder, and understand that because the disease is often “silent”, the disease may go undetected and untreated inappropriately. For that reason, the PT may be brought into the treatment process at a late stage in the disease. Knowledge of the threefold approach to treatment, which involves diagnosis, medication, and physical rehabilitation, may assist the PT with more fully comprehending the need for integrating the rehab component with the work of other medical specialists. The use of weight bearing exercises and adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D – as outlined in this home study course – are essential to bone health and must be an integral part of the rehab process. The PT can also make recommendations for a safe home environment to minimize fall risk and assist with preventive exercise prescriptions. Other rehabilitative services may include: • Pain Management • Upper extremity, lower extremity, trunk range of motion • Upper extremity, lower extremity, core strengthening • Postural education • Body mechanics training (e.g. safe bending, lifting strategies) • Balance screening and training • Gait training • Assistive device needs to reduce fall risk • Navigation of household/community obstacles (e.g. curbs, steps) • Recommendations for home/community gym exercise programs This home study course will enable the PT to have a more comprehensive understanding of the disease in order to enhance their quality of care.