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Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Osteopenia and Sarcopenia Treatment in Fenton, Michigan

Have you been told you have osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteoarthritis, or sarcopenia? While it is common to be diagnosed with these scary sounding terms as we age, it is not normal. It is a myth that a loss in bone mineral density or muscle is associated simply with getting older. Rather, we see that as individuals age, they tend to move less, leading to less loading to their bones & muscles. The human body by and large follows a principle in medicine known as “Wolff’s Law” coined by Dr. Julius Wolff, a German surgeon. Wolff’s Law tells us that the load-bearing structures of our bodies (bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and cartilage) respond & grow when stressed. In short: “Use it or lose it.” Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and sarcopenia are not permanent diagnoses: they can be reversed!
Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Osteopenia and Sarcopenia

Over the past 20 years or so, an incredible amount of high quality research has emerged showing us that not only is exercise, specifically resistance training, safe for us as we continue to get older, but that it is incredibly effective! An amazing study, the LIFTMOR (Lifting Intervention For Training Muscle and Osteoporosis Rehabilitation) trial was published in 2017. This hallmark study followed postmenopausal women, all with a confirmed diagnosis of osteoporosis, as they performed a resistance training exercise protocol twice per week for 8 months. The study group performing resistance training showed superior improvements in bone mineral density across the body as well as significant improvements in muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, and balance (Watson et al., 2018, The Journal of Bone Mineral Research). A follow-up study was conducted, this time with men aged 50 & older with diagnosed osteoporosis, finding almost identical results to the 2018 study (Harding et al., 2020, British Medical Journal).

Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Osteopenia and Sarcopenia
Many more studies have followed in the wake of the original LIFTMOR study, finding that resistance training is incredibly safe & effective, even in individuals with clinically diagnosed osteoporosis or osteopenia. Not only can we strengthen bones & muscles, strength training offers amazing benefits to the whole body, such as improved energy & mood, improved function at home and out-and-about in the community, and more!

Have you been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, osteopenia, or sarcopenia? The best time to get started on building strong bones & muscles was yesterday, but the second best time is today!

Do you want to learn more or get started with treatment?

 

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