Clinical Management of the Older Adult with Osteoporosis

Course overview

Fifty-four million Americans are living with, or at risk of, osteoporosis and low bone mass, resulting in two million fractures every year. This course, the first in a three-part series presented by Dr. Kathryn Brewer, focuses on the clinical management of the older adult with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is defined as a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength leading to an increased risk of fracture. This definition emphasizes the role of bone strength as a key to understanding fracture risk; one in two women and up to one in four men over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis related fracture in their lifetime. Physical therapists have a vital role in contributing to patient education and intervention both before and after fracture to improve posture, core and spinal extension strength, balance/coordination, and muscle strength, ultimately reducing fall risk and risk for fracture.