Physiotherapy interventions in osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is an increasing public health problem which ultimately causes fractures and a significant reduction in patient's health-related quality of life. In this context, physiotherapists are involved in a wide range of therapies related both to prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The reduction of the risk of falling by elderly patients with osteoporosis is a very important goal for physiotherapists because it is known to significantly decrease fracture incidence. Indeed, exercise programs including elements of muscle strengthening and better body balance control have a positive effect on the risk of falling, hence reducing the incidence of fractures and increasing the health-related quality of life of osteoporotic patients. As a further consequence, the decreased fracture incidence has a key roll in reducing healthcare costs. Once a patient presents with an osteoporotic fracture, he may be assisted with various forms of passive, active-assisted and active therapies. This treatment will help reduce pain, increase patient's mobility and prevent the occurrence of additional fractures. In addition, a good and well-balanced education process regarding secondary osteoporosis prevention may also help to modify the behavior of patients and help to improve skeletal health in the longer term. The physiotherapist has definitively a major role to play in the interdisciplinary team aimed at preventing osteoporotic fractures in both primary and secondary prevention levels.