According to the APTA, thin bones are the cause of 1.5 million fractures per year in the United States, while hip fractures result in a total of 300K hospitalizations. Osteoporosis is a common bone disease among the elderly population in which bones began thinning and losing density, causing an increased risk of breaks.
World Osteoporosis Day is celebrated on October 20th to increase awareness and educate the population on preventive techniques. The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) created the 2016 campaign theme, Love Your Bones, Protect Your Future, to encourage the general public to take action and decrease factors contributing to osteoporosis. Physical Therapists can assist patients by developing a treatment plan, aimed at improving overall bone health and avoidance of fractures. Specific program objectives provided by a Physical Therapist may include improving posture and balance, and adjusting a patient’s environment to help build bone density.