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Osteoporosis

Dr. Howard Liss treats disorders that cause pain and disability by providing consultative services and soft tissue and joint injections when needed. When medically appropriate, he makes specific referrals for diagnostic testing (lab work, imaging, electrodiagnosis), physical and occupational therapy, interventional procedures (epidurals and facet joint injections), and surgery.

When more calcium is taken out of bones than what is replaced, bones lose density, becoming thin, brittle and fragile. Needless to say, as bones take on a “honeycomb appearance,” they are more prone to break and crack. This condition is called osteoporosis. While age affects one’s ability to generate new bone, a number of other factors put individuals at risk for developing osteoporosis.

Consider the following factors that negatively affect an individual’s ability to make dense new bone:

  • Lack of exercise, particularly weight-bearing and resistance training
  • Menopause
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Overactive thyroid
  • Coeliac disease (along with other chronic stomach problems)
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol (in excess)
  • Calcium deficiency
  • Vitamin D deficiency

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation for Osteoporosis

While medication is readily prescribed to reduce and reverse bone loss, physiatrists understand the combined power of medication, physical therapy and rehabilitation to strengthen bones, stimulate osteogenesis and prevent the onset of osteoporosis. Yet, the type of exercise varies from individual to individual and requires a multidisciplinary approach and consideration of many conditions that may contribute to one’s bone loss.

Physiatrists have expertise across multiple fields and exposure to a wide variety of conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. They are well-positioned to organize treatment and rehabilitation for the whole person—not one specific area. Thus, when it comes to osteoporosis, physiatrists identify factors contributing to an individual’s bone loss, including certain medications and/or lifestyle choices. Often with a team of medical professionals such as physical therapists, clinicians and interventionists, physiatrist propose appropriate exercises based on the severity of the patient’s osteoporosis.

Specific exercises may include low impact stabilization exercises, closed kinetic chain exercises, posture correction training, biomechanical analysis, balance enhancement training, joint mobilization, neurodynamics training, strength and flexibility conditioning and yoga. With a clear physical component to therapy, patients also benefit from an awareness of their body in a sensory aspect, which correlates with balance, correction positioning, posture and ultimately injury prevention.

At the Howard Liss, M.D. Rehabilitation Institute, patients can rely on Dr. Liss to put together the right treatment, therapy and rehabilitation plan to ensure the most optimal outcome. Dr. Liss works closely with other specialists required to rehabilitate patients suffering from chronic pain or serious injuries, and Dr. Liss will refer patients as needed to ensure appropriate treatment. With extensive education and exposure to a variety of conditions that affect the cervical and lumbar spine, bones, nerves, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, brain, and spinal cord, Dr. Liss is uniquely positioned to help patients manage their pain and maximize their functioning.

If you have osteoporosis, contact the Howard Liss, M.D. Rehabilitation Institute today for comprehensive therapy to maximize function.

 
 

Rehabilitation Institute

111 Dean Drive Suite 1
Tenafly, NJ, 07670
Fax: (201) 871-2214

Call Us: (201) 390-9200