Women are mostly affected by osteoporosis, a disorder marked by weakening bones due to low bone density and an increased risk of fractures, especially among women who have gone through menopause. This condition can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, leading to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and a higher risk of injury. A review in 2021 showed that the global prevalence of osteoporosis is about 18% with the highest prevalence in Africa at 39.5% (Salari et al., 2021).
Physiotherapy management shows promise, with conservative management that helps to lessen the severity of osteoporosis and also improve general health and quality of life for women suffering from this condition. Physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in the management of osteoporosis by focusing on targeted exercises that are designed to strengthen bones, improve balance, and enhance muscle strength. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and resistance training, are particularly beneficial as they stimulate bone formation and increase bone density. This is crucial for women with osteoporosis, as enhancing bone density can reduce the risk of fractures, one of the most severe complications associated with this condition.
Balance and coordination exercises are another cornerstone of physiotherapy for osteoporosis. These exercises are designed to prevent falls, a common cause of fractures in individuals with weakened bones. By improving balance, posture, and coordination, physiotherapy reduces the likelihood of falls, thereby decreasing the risk of fractures. This is particularly important for older women, who are at a higher risk of fall-related injuries due to osteoporosis. Moreover, physiotherapy offers personalized exercise programs tailored to the individual needs and health status of each woman. This personalized approach ensures that exercises are safe, effective, and aligned with the specific health objectives and limitations of the individual. For women with osteoporosis, this means that the exercise program can be adjusted to target areas of weakness and vulnerability, thereby maximizing the benefits of the therapy.
Education is another vital component of physiotherapy for osteoporosis. Physiotherapists provide valuable information on safe movement and lifting techniques, which can help women with osteoporosis avoid movements that may lead to fractures. Additionally, physiotherapists can offer advice on lifestyle modifications, including activities that promote bone health, further supporting the management of osteoporosis.
In conclusion, physiotherapy offers a multifaceted approach to the management of osteoporosis among women. Through targeted exercises, personalized treatment plans, and educational support, physiotherapy can significantly improve bone density, reduce the risk of fractures, and enhance quality of life. By addressing the specific needs of women with osteoporosis, physiotherapy empowers them to lead more active, healthier, and fulfilling lives, despite the challenges posed by this condition. As such, physiotherapy should be considered a cornerstone of osteoporosis management, providing hope and tangible benefits for women affected by this debilitating condition.
PROFILE
Temitope Osifeso is a trained Physiotherapist and a full-time PhD Candidate at the department of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Western University, London, Ontario. Her background experience as a physiotherapist in Nigeria led to her interest in musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation in diverse population. She joined the FIREWELL (https://firewell.ca/about/) research team that focuses on firefighters health for her MSc degree at McMaster University. Her current PhD work focuses on understanding shoulder disorders among firefighters and developing appropriate rehabilitation solutions. Temitope has received several scholarships and international awards for her research work including the Ontario Graduate Scholarship award for the 2023/2024 top graduate students, Canadian Institute of Health Research Scholarship, and an outstanding poster award at the World Physiotherapy Conference in 2023. She works as a teaching and research assistant, at Western University and Kings College University, London Ontario respectively. She also volunteers in various charity and academic organisation including being a member of the Graduate Peer Support Committee that advocates for the welfare and well-being of graduate students at Western University. She is also a council member and vice president of the Health and Rehabilitation Science Graduate Student Society, where she works as an international graduate student representative for academic related concerns.
References
Salari, N., Ghasemi, H., Mohammadi, L., Behzadi, M., Rabieenia, E., Shohaimi, S., & Mohammadi, M. (2021). The global prevalence of osteoporosis in the world: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-021-02772-0.
