Temple Physical Therapy
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Osteoporosis Program Osteoporosis affects millions of individuals throughout the United States. Those that suffer from this disease are at a high risk for bone fracture, and severe postural changes. Fortunately the medical community has learned that it is possible to delay the possible devastating effects of osteoporosis through the use of diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and medication. Temple Physical Therapy, in coordination with area physicians, has developed a program focusing on the diet, exercise and education components of the treatment protocol. The program staff includes licensed physical therapists as well as a registered dietician, to ensure the highest level of care for each patient, and the best chance for preventing further bone loss. What are the risk factors for Osteoporosis? Family history of Osteoporosis Heavy alcohol or caffeine consumption Smoking Recent weight loss Increasing spine curvature Recent hip, wrist or spine fracture Poor exercise habits Weak musculature Low dairy product intake Use of thyroid or anti-convulsive drugs Use of cortisone Thin body frame Ovaries have been removed Menopause Early menopause Never have been pregnant Long periods of amenorrhea What are the components of the Osteoporosis program? Every patient receives a complete evaluation by a licensed physical therapist with a focus on posture and muscular strength. A individualized therapy program is then developed to meet the specific needs of each patient. The program will include a graded increase of weights used during exercise, as tolerated, to stimulate increased bone strength. An emphasis is placed on continued independent exercise at the termination of the program. A registered dietician will consult with each patient as needed to educate program members in proper dietary habits to nutritionally battle the disease. An in depth osteoporosis education class is presented to each patient. This class is intended to educate the patients on osteoporosis, with an emphasis on the importance of proper postural positioning, fall prevention, and the proper techniques to perform activities of daily living to prevent injury. What are the benefits of the Osteoporosis program? Research demonstrates aggressive treatment of osteoporosis through the use of proper diet and exercise increases the ability of the body to maintain bone density, and significantly decreases the risk of bone fracture and postural changes. With rising medical costs, and increasing personal costs of disability, Temple Physical Therapy remains at the forefront in the development of true preventative health care with programs of this high caliber. Please call (203)498-5980, or fax a prescription with the patients name and phone number to (203)498-5999, to have your patient scheduled for our Osteoporosis Program. |
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