Osteoporosis weakens your bones, causing them to become brittle over time. You may be more prone to fractures and you may even experience pain associated with the condition. There are several things you can do to manage your both your physical condition and your emotional health. Discuss the following options with your doctor to see which options are best for managing your osteoporosis.
Water Exercise Therapy
Water exercise therapy offers a great way to rebuild strength and even increase your bone density. Due to the buoyancy of the water, exercising in a swimming pool can reduce the amount of stress put on your joints as you workout. This can provide an added benefit if you have both osteoporosis and other bone and joint issues. Work with your doctor to create an aquatic therapy routine that fits your ability level so you can get the regular exercise you need while helping to strengthen your muscles and bones.
Physical Therapy
Working with a physical therapist can reap benefits for patients with osteoporosis even if they have not had a fracture. Preventative PT can help you to learn safe ways of tending to daily living tasks, such as lifting items, so you can prevent fractures. Your physical therapist can also show you different ways to protect yourself if you fall so you can prevent serious fractures and injuries. Talk to your primary care physician about the progression of your osteoporosis to determine if physical therapy is right for you. If you've already had a fracture, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help you regain strength and movement in the affected area.
Diet Changes
Making some simple changes to your diet can help you to improve your bone health as well as your overall physical condition. Foods loaded with calcium and vitamin D can help you to achieve your health goals. Leafy green vegetables, dairy products and some fish are rich with calcium. Fortified foods, such as cereals, meal replacement shakes and milk, can also help to improve your bone health. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a nutritionist who can help you to make the right food choices for your condition.
Emotional Therapy
As a result of your osteoporosis, you may not be able to enjoy some of the physical activities you used to. You may also be nervous or anxious about the possibility of becoming injured. Part of managing your osteoporosis should include seeking therapy from a psychologist or licensed therapist. This gives you the chance to talk through your emotions and address any potential anxiety or depression you may be suffering as a result of your osteoporosis. If you aren't comfortable seeing a therapist in a one-on-one session, consider joining a support group where you can discuss your feelings and frustrations with other people who are having the same experiences as you.
Talk to your doctor about these options and other non-medication options for managing your osteoporosis. With a few lifestyle changes and the right type of therapy, you can manage your condition while taking better care of your physical and emotional health. For more information, contact a clinic such as Sarasota Arthritis Center.
Share4 February 2016
Having a daughter comes with a number of challenges. One challenge that you will one day need to tackle is determining when to introduce your daughter to the gynecologist. Do you take your daughter to the same gynecologist that you see or take her somewhere else? Do you wait until she gets her first period or do you take her in to learn about the menstrual cycle from the doctor? There is a long list of questions you likely have about introducing your daughter to the world of gynecology. Having gone through this twice myself, I have learned quite a bit and have included a lot of helpful information in my site to help other parents get through this complicated time a little easier.
