Osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease. More than 10 million Americans already have osteoporosis. 80% of these people are women. The medical community predicts that one out of every two women over the age of 50 will suffer from an osteoporosis-related fracture. But you can change your odds! Physical Therapy and Pilates can make a big difference in the future of your bones.

After age 35, bones start to lose their strength; bone loss starts to sprint after menopause. But there is some good news here: you can build your bones at any age. To prevent the debilitating effects of osteoporosis, you must make nutrition and exercise your health priorities. Even if you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you can turn things around.

Physical Therapy is an excellent treatment for those already diagnosed with osteoporosis, ask your doctor for a recommendation. PT includes strengthening and resistance exercises to increase bone mass and boost muscle strength (the stronger your bone-supporting muscles, the lower your risk of a fracture). At  All Wellness, your Physical Therapist will recommend the most appropriate action plan for you. It may include yoga to improve your balance, but it will most likely include gentle weight-bearing exercises.

Of course our favorite weight-bearing exercises are Pilates exercises. Pilates focuses on improving body alignment and strengthening the stabilizer muscles (those in the core and the back). Pilates exercises can be modified to suit the needs of any body: Seniors, elite athletes, dancers, pregnant women, and people in rehabilitation all find relief in the Pilates method.

The six fundamental principles of the Pilates method are: Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breath, and Flow. While they might sound like some kind of Vulcan mind meld to the initiated, when integrated into your exercise regime, the results are balance, grace, tone, and strength. These results are essential for our well-being especially as we age.

Of course Pilates builds bones and muscle. At All Wellness, it also builds community. Exercise and rehab alone just isn’t as much fun!

Read more about Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis image credits: www.iposture.com, www.osteofoundation.org
Pilates image credit: www.pilatesforum.org