Have you recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis? Do you notice your posture seems to get worse and worse? Are you looking for a safe, effective way to improve bone health? At Fitness Matters, our physical therapists are up to date on the most advanced strategies to improve bone health, including the Meek’s Method.
Osteoporosis is a common condition characterized by bone mineral density (BMD) loss and an increased risk of fractures. It is estimated that more than 10 million American adults older than 50 have osteoporosis, with a higher prevalence in women (30%) than in men (15%).
Osteoporosis is often undetected because it progresses without any symptoms. Unfortunately, the first indication for some people is a fracture. Women are far more likely to sustain a fracture than a man. The lifetime risk for women is 50%, whereas it is 20% for men. The most common fractures due to osteoporosis are the hip and spine.
The pain of a fracture is bad enough, but the real risk of fractures to the hip and spine is the disability and decreased independence. The complications after a fracture associated with osteoporosis can even result in an increased risk of death.
The good news is you can prevent and sometimes stop or reverse your bone density. At Fitness Matters, our physical therapists will help provide you with solutions like the Meek’s Method. We will guide you through all the steps you can take to improve your posture and ensure your bones stay strong and healthy, so rest assured you are safe doing what you love!
Our innovative care strategies at Fitness Matters will help you find quick relief. Request an appointment with one of our specialists and see if the Meek’s Method suits you!
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones demineralize and become weak and brittle. The special bone cells that regulate the health and strength of our bones get out of balance, resulting in the changes associated with osteoporosis.
The bone cells are called osteoclasts, which break down bone, and osteoblasts, which create new bone. With osteoporosis, new bone creation doesn’t keep up with old bone breakdown resulting in the typical weakening of the bones.
The risk for osteoporosis increases with advancing age, with women having a higher fracture risk than men. It is less common in men than women because men generally have larger skeletons, and men don’t experience the rapid hormonal changes associated with menopause.
Certain lifestyle habits will increase the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures, including:
- Physical inactivity
- Nutritional deficiencies (i.e., Vitamin D and lack of calcium)
- Low body weight
- High alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking
- Use of corticosteroids (i.e., Prednisone)
The more advanced the osteoporosis, the greater the risk that a fall will result in serious injury and increased mortality.
At Fitness Matters, our physical therapists are trained in using the Meek’s Method for treating osteoporosis. We will give you the tools to build the strength of your bones and reduce your risk of serious injury! Our therapists will identify any limitation or weakness affecting your posture and function.
How the Meek’s Method will be used in your physical therapy sessions
The Meeks Method is an exercise and alignment program developed by Sara Meeks, PT, to help people with osteoporosis and postural problems. Our physical therapists are trained to use this system and will start with a thorough evaluation to identify all the factors contributing to your function and bone health.
This will include a medical history to understand more about previous injuries, nutritional habits, and medical conditions contributing to osteoporosis. In addition, specific tests will be conducted, including pain levels, body height, photos before the intervention, posture screen, range of motion, strength, balance, gait, and functional ability. The tests serve as baselines so we can measure the progress objectively.
We will use this information to develop a comprehensive program that emphasizes building your strength and reducing your risk of falls. This will include education to empower you and ensure you understand your specific medical condition. The Meeks Method emphasizes weight-bearing exercises that will strengthen your spine and hips. Our team will also stress the importance of proper posture and body mechanics to ensure you move at optimal levels.
Balance exercises are a huge part of the Meeks Method to ensure you are safe and minimize the risk of falling. Every program is individually designed to assist you in a safe return to daily activities and beyond!
Request an appointment today!
At Fitness Matters, our physical therapists will use the Meek’s Method to help you build your bone health and improve your overall function simultaneously!
Request an appointment with one of our specialists to see how the Meek’s Method can help you!
Sources:
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2019/8171897/
