Bone Health Services
Strengthen Your Future with Expert Bone Health Care
At Mary Free Bed, our Bone Health Program provides comprehensive care to prevent, manage and treat osteoporosis and related conditions. Our expert team offers personalized evaluations, bone density testing, nutritional guidance, and tailored treatment plans to enhance your bone health and overall well-being.
Understanding Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a common condition that can significantly affect your overall health and longevity.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 54 million Americans have osteoporosis or low bone density, which increases their risk of developing osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis, meaning “porous bone,” leads to weakened bones that are more prone to fractures. It’s a progressive condition that can result in chronic pain and reduced quality of life.
Who is at Risk?
Osteoporosis affects a significant portion of the population, with one in two women and up to one in four men aged 50 and older likely to suffer a bone fracture due to this condition. The Bone Health Program at Mary Free Bed offers comprehensive bone health services to individuals of all ages and abilities aiming to prevent, manage, or control osteoporosis and related conditions.
Expert Bone Health Services
Whether you’re at risk or already affected by osteoporosis, we are dedicated to helping you maintain a strong, healthy, and active life.
Our multidisciplinary team includes bone health experts specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, physical therapists, occupational therapists and registered dietitians. These specialists are trained in managing osteoporosis and conditions such as osteopenia.
Personalized Treatment Plans
We develop individualized treatment plans following a thorough bone health evaluation, which includes:
Comprehensive history and physical examination
Bone density testing
Nutrition screening
Balance, strength, and fitness assessments
Fall-risk assessment, including an optional home-safety evaluation
These diagnostic methods enable us to create an integrated plan of care to optimize your bone health, ensuring you can safely enjoy your life. Your plan may include:
Therapy and education focused on strength, posture, and body mechanics
Evidence-based home exercises to improve bone density
Nutritional education to restore bone health and enhance overall wellness
Training on activities of daily living
Recommendations for maintaining a safe home environment
Medical treatments, including prescriptions to manage pain and rebuild bone
Treatment, Risk Factors, & Protection
Osteoporosis is responsible for approximately two million fractures annually. People with osteoporosis can suffer fractures from falls or even minor incidents like bumping into furniture. If your bones are weakened by osteoporosis, you may experience:
- Back pain
- Loss of height
- Stooped posture
Despite its prevalence, nearly 80 percent of older Americans with broken bones have not been tested for osteoporosis.
- Aging
- Being female (postmenopausal)
- Family history
- Thin, small, or petite body frame
- Health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, or an overactive thyroid gland
- History of fractures
- Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids or anticonvulsants
- History of falls
Risk Factors You May Be Able to Change
- Estrogen deficiency
- Insufficient intake of calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients
- Lack of weight-bearing, muscle-strengthening, and balance exercises
- Smoking or history of smoking
To protect your bones, ensure you:
- Get enough calcium and vitamin D
- Eat a well-balanced diet rich in bone-healthy foods like fruits and vegetables
- Get regular exercise
If you recognize yourself in the risk factors listed above, consult with your doctor and schedule a bone density test. The bone health experts at Mary Free Bed are here to help you maintain and improve your bone health through personalized osteoporosis treatment and comprehensive bone density testing.
