Osteoporosis Program

Osteoporosis exercises and education with Osteo-Circuit Program, a pilot project

Osteoporosis is a progressive skeletal disease characterized by low bone density, bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. This condition develops without warning signs. Most people with osteoporosis do not realize they have the disease until a minor fall results in a broken hip, wrist or vertebra.

 

During childhood and early adulthood bone formation exceeds resorption but by the late 20’s men and women reach their maximum bone density or peak bone mass. After the age of 30, resorption exceeds bone formation and a gradual process of bone loss begins. The rate of bone loss varies widely and there are many risk factors that increase this rate.

 

Menopausal women in their 50’s have rapidly increasing bone loss. Estrogen production decreases and causes an increasing rate of one loss. Some women have 4 times the rate of bone loss as before menopause. After menopause that rate slows down but the accrued bone loss can be damaging.

 

Participating in an exercise program is good health maintenance and weight bearing and resistive exercises are key to building bone. However not all exercises promote bone structure. It is important to learn what exercises to do and what not to do. At Atrium Physiotherapy we asses and design programs that address your individual needs and make you work at your safe maximum level, whatever that may be.

 

In September 2009 we launched our Osteo-Circuit Program of osteoporosis exercises and education in collaboration with Osteoporosis Canada.

 

 

"In Canada 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men over the age of 50 will get osteoporosis."