Osteoporosis Care: Available at STAR Locations in Creve Coeur and Chesterfield
More than half of people 50 and older experience the bone thinning and weakening that define osteoporosis, according to the American Physical Therapy Association. Weakened bones can lead to compression fractures in your spine when it carries too much pressure, as well as fractures in your hips and wrists if you fall. While women face the greatest risk, men develop osteoporosis, too.
Fortunately, our physical therapists can help strengthen your bones and muscles, limiting the impact of osteoporosis and protecting your health. They can also help you improve your posture and avoid falls.
Why Choose STAR Physical Therapy for Osteoporosis?
We help you improve your strength and overall function, so you can have confidence while doing your daily activities and the things you love. We offer:
- Experienced therapists: Our therapists have years of experience watching for the signs of osteoporosis and treating it. Some of our therapists have particular expertise in geriatrics and women’s health through board certifications. They serve as a key resource for our program.
- Tailored plans: Exercise plays a key role in controlling osteoporosis. We follow guidelines for exercise safety and effectiveness established by the National Osteoporosis Foundation. We help you progress at a pace you can handle. We also help you find ways you like to exercise, whether at home, in the gym, in the pool or through a class.
- Satisfaction: People regularly tell us they feel very satisfied with our osteoporosis care. We always welcome your comments and suggestions. We want you to have the best experience possible.
Learn more about the benefits of choosing STAR sports therapy and physical therapy.
Osteopenia and Other Reasons to See Us
There are several ways people end up working with us on their bone care. You may:
- Receive a diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia: Osteopenia describes reduced bone density. It is not as severe as osteoporosis. We use similar methods to treat osteoporosis and to prevent osteopenia from turning into osteoporosis.
- Need help after a fracture: In addition to help recovering from a fracture, we can work to make sure one does not happen again. We can help you strengthen supporting muscles, even if you are still wearing bracing.
- Come to us for other treatment: Sometimes people come to us for another condition such as back pain that may indicate weakened bones. (You may not notice the problem yourself until a bone breaks.) If that happens, we will help you arrange a bone density test. If needed, we can provide therapy for osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis Treatments
When creating a treatment plan for bone weakening, your doctor may recommend more calcium and vitamin D for a bone-healthy diet. Your doctor may also recommend medications to build bone, as well as physical therapy.
In addition to reducing pain, our therapists help with:
- Posture and body movement: Lifting and bending can put too much pressure on weakened vertebrae. So can improper posture. We help you find better ways to stand and move, such as when getting out of bed or bending to pick something up. We also help you strengthen your spinal support muscles.
- Exercise: We recommend spending at least five days per week doing 30 minutes of weight-bearing exercise to build bone and slow bone loss. Weight-bearing exercises can include walking, jogging, stair climbing, pool work, dancing, yoga, Pilates and many other options. We help you create a plan you enjoy and show you how to do it safely. We work with you to find local classes and workout facilities if you are interested.
- Balance: We help you address any balance problems you may have to lower your risk of falling. Learn more about our Fall Risk and Recovery Program.
- Range of motion: We evaluate your range of motion, particular in your arms, legs and back. We help correct any problems so that you can stand and move properly, limiting the pressure on your back and lowering your likelihood of falling.
Contact Us
To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please call a STAR location:
- Chesterfield — Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Orthopedic Center: 314.514.3636
- Creve Coeur — Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital: 314.996.3050
- South County — Center for Advanced Medicine: 314.286.1000