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Mobile Rehab provides in-home, outpatient Physical Therapy for seniors.
Convenient
Personalized
Covered by insurance
Locally owned and operated in North Carolina since 2004
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that results in reduced bone density and increased risk of fractures. It occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. Bones become weak and fragile, making them more prone to fractures, especially in the hip, spine, and wrist.
Osteoporosis can develop silently over many years, with no symptoms or pain until a fracture occurs. It is more common in older adults, especially women after menopause. Other risk factors for osteoporosis include low body weight, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a family history of osteoporosis, certain medications (such as corticosteroids), and medical conditions that affect bone density.
Prevention of osteoporosis includes a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake, and taking medications as prescribed by a doctor. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent further bone loss and fractures.
What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
In the early stages, osteoporosis may not have any noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, the following symptoms may occur:
Bone pain and tenderness: The affected bones may become painful, especially when under stress or when touched.
Loss of height: Osteoporosis can cause a person to lose height as the bones in the spine become compressed or collapse.
Back pain: Compression fractures in the spine can lead to back pain, which can be severe and chronic.
Fractures: Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures, particularly in the hip, spine, and wrist.
Stooped posture: Osteoporosis can cause the spine to curve forward, leading to a stooped posture.
If you experience any of these symptoms or have risk factors for osteoporosis, you should talk to your healthcare provider to determine if you need a bone density test or other diagnostic tests. Early detection and treatment can help prevent further bone loss and fractures.
What causes osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis occurs when the body loses too much bone or makes too little bone, or a combination of both. There are several factors that can contribute to the development of osteoporosis, including:
Age: Bone density naturally decreases as a person ages, and bones become weaker and more prone to fractures.
Gender: Women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis than men, especially after menopause when estrogen levels decrease, leading to bone loss.
Family history: A family history of osteoporosis can increase the risk of developing the condition.
Low calcium and vitamin D intake: A diet low in calcium and vitamin D can lead to weak bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can lead to bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Smoking: Smoking can increase the rate of bone loss and decrease bone density.
Excessive alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption can interfere with the body's ability to absorb calcium and affect bone health.
Certain medications: Long-term use of certain medications such as corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, and thyroid hormone can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Medical conditions: Medical conditions that affect hormone levels, such as hyperthyroidism, can lead to bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Understanding the risk factors and taking steps to prevent bone loss through lifestyle modifications and medications can help reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.
How can physical therapy help with osteoporosis?
Physical therapy can play an important role in managing osteoporosis. A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to help improve bone density, balance, flexibility, and overall strength. Here are some ways physical therapy can help with osteoporosis:
Strength training: Weight-bearing exercises and resistance training can help strengthen the bones and reduce the risk of fractures. A physical therapist can recommend specific exercises that are safe and effective for people with osteoporosis.
Balance training: Falls are a common cause of fractures in people with osteoporosis. A physical therapist can design balance exercises to improve stability and reduce the risk of falls.
Flexibility training: Range-of-motion exercises can help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
Posture training: Poor posture can increase the risk of fractures in people with osteoporosis. A physical therapist can teach proper alignment and posture to reduce the risk of fractures.
Pain management: Osteoporosis-related pain can be managed with physical therapy techniques such as manual therapy, massage, and stretching.
Education: A physical therapist can provide education on lifestyle modifications, such as nutrition and safe movement practices, to help manage osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures.
It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any exercise program. A physical therapist can work with a healthcare provider to develop a safe and effective treatment plan for managing osteoporosis.
Frequently asked questions
Use your insurance or pay privately
Medicare
$0 per visit
Many Medicare plans with a supplement policy will cover all of our fees.
Commercial Insurance
Same as a clinic
Pay the same copay as if you went to a clinic for therapy. We accept many major insurances and will verify your benefits before starting.
Private Pay
$120
Easy payment options available.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Contact Us by Phone, Email, or Fax
We’ll help you check your insurance benefits. You do not need to be homebound and you should not be currently receiving any other physical therapy or skilled nursing services in the home.
Schedule an Evaluation
We will match you with a therapist and have them contact you to plan a date, time and location that works best for you.
It’s That Easy!
We make it simple to get the care you need… and exceed your expectations while doing so.
SERVICES
Fall Prevention
We provide research-based, individualized fall prevention interventions that have been shown to greatly reduce your risk of falling and injuries, including the OTAGO fall prevention program.
Click here to
learn more about OTAGO
General Rehab
Avoid driving to a clinic and get the individualized care you deserve. We work with many conditions ranging from post-stroke, Parkinson’s, vertigo to rotator cuff dysfunction and much more. Contact us for details.
After Home Health
We can improve care continuity by providing in home therapy even after you have been discharged by a Home Health agency. Avoid the hassle of driving and continue to make progress towards your goals.
Strength and Conditioning
We can help you improve your strength, mobility, range of motion, or any other functional limitations that impair your daily activity.
Pain Relief
We develop individualized care plans to help manage your aches and pains through exercise and hands-on techniques.