As people get older, joint deterioration becomes a fact of life. But you don’t have to live with the knee, hip, and lower back pain that comes along with it. New types of effective physical therapy now exist to help you get your bone strength back on track. Here’s what you need to know about protecting your joints.

Causes of Joint Deterioration

Osteoporosis is a common condition that decreases bone strength and density and causes bones to become fragile and brittle, leaving them vulnerable to fractures. Osteopenia is equally as common and is brought on by a low-calcium diet, smoking, hormonal changes, or even certain medications. In both of these conditions, the bone loss outpaces the formation of new bone, cause the structures to weaken. At your joints, this weakness can lead to loss of mobility and chronic pain.

Treatment & Prevention

Most doctors recommend weight loss, physical therapy, and exercise to alleviate joint pain. In some instances, they may inject corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid into the joint. In extreme cases, the patient may need a full knee or hip replacement.

If you prefer a less-invasive, natural remedy to treat osteoporosis, increasing bone strength through applied weight might be the answer. Studies have shown that applying the force of at least 4.2 times your body weight can trigger bones to start making new tissue. In the past, that has been an impossible task to accomplish without risking injury. However, new physical therapy exists that can help patients comfortably apply several times the pressure of their body weight without damaging the existing bone. It’s a safe alternative that’s especially helpful to patients who don’t have the mobility for regular strength training or cardio.

OsteoStrong O’Fallon in St. Charles County, MO, is not your average physical therapy clinic. With 10 minutes per week of their patented, innovative strength training, you’ll increase bone strength, balance, and athletic ability. Their certified technicians will create a treatment strategy that fits your needs and time. For more information, call (636) 238-8696 to schedule a consultation, or visit them online to learn more.