Posted on February 28, 2017
New Bone Health Program at Mary Free Bed designed to fight, manage osteoporosis
Grand Rapids, Mich. – Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital has launched a Bone Health Program focused on the prevention and treatment of bone diseases, particularly osteoporosis, that affect millions of Americans every year.
Osteoporosis is a startlingly common condition that can affect overall wellness and longevity. About 54 million Americans have osteoporosis or low bone density, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Half of all women and two in five men will develop osteoporosis during their lifetime.
“There is no cure for osteoporosis, so prevention and management are critical,” said Bryan Williams, vice president of outpatient services. “Our team of experts provides the highest standard of care in a committed and compassionate manner.”
Osteoporosis means “porous bone.” When bones lose their density, they weaken, making them more likely to break in a fall or even from small movements, such as bumping into furniture. This progressive condition, typically the result of insufficient exercise, improper diet and an unhealthy lifestyle, can cause lasting pain and reduced quality of life. It is the underlying cause of about 2 million fractures every year, most often in the spine, hip or wrist.
Mary Free Bed’s Bone Health Program includes physicians who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation, physical therapists, occupational therapists and registered dietitians trained in the evaluation and treatment of osteoporosis and related conditions. The multidisciplinary team works together to help people of all ages and abilities prevent or manage this potentially dangerous disease.
The program includes a thorough diagnostic evaluation and development of an integrated plan of care that may include therapy to address strength, posture and body mechanics, evidence-based home exercises shown to improve bone density and prevent falls, nutritional education to help restore bone health and improve overall wellness, and medical treatment to manage pain and rebuild bone.
Click to learn more about Mary Free Bed’s Bone Health Program or call 616.840.8005.
Mary Free Bed is a not-for-profit, nationally accredited, rehabilitation hospital. For more than 125 years, Mary Free Bed has restored hope and freedom through rehabilitation for children and adults who have experienced brain injuries, strokes, spinal cord injuries, multiple traumas, amputations, cancer and other diagnoses. The combination of comprehensive services and an exclusive focus on rehabilitation enables specialty physicians and staff to help patients achieve outstanding clinical results. For additional information, visit maryfreebed.com.
