Osteoporosis refers to the loss of bone mass and the structural breakdown of bone that leads to an increased risk of fracture. Traditionally thought of as striking primarily women, osteoporosis is now recognized as a threat to elderly men and...
Osteoporosis fractures are fractures caused due to a diminished bone density which is measured by a standard scale. Significant pain can be caused by people with osteoporosis fractures. Because people lose bone density as they age, the elderly...
Osteoporosis is a growing global health problem, second only to cardiovascular disease, according to the World Health Organization. Individuals with osteoporosis have fragile bone tissue that is vulnerable to fractures. But, bone is living tissue...
Hot stone massage is a form of massage therapy involving the use of heated stones on soft tissue. Karyn Chabot, licensed massage therapist, says that "it is a harmonious collaboration of healing energies between the client, the therapist and the...
Massage therapy is the manipulation of skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments throughout your body. Massage therapists commonly use Swedish massage techniques, with flowing strokes and gentle pressure, to provide a full-body relaxation massage....
You hug your beloved grandmother and she seems shorter than she did a few years ago. No, it's not the incredible shrinking woman but osteoporosis, and vertebral fractures are reducing her stature. Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone density...
Protein, which is found in meat, poultry, eggs, beans, nuts and seafood, is generally thought to be a healthy food that should be consumed regularly. The food pyramid made by the United States Department of Agriculture suggests that adults eat 6...
Scoliosis is defined as an abnormal curvature of the spine, either to the left or right side, according to the University of Washington. The majority of scoliosis in adolescents is idiopathic, which means no one is sure what causes it. There are...
Osteoporosis is a serious condition that makes the bones frail and susceptible to fractures. If it is caught in the early stages, it can be managed successfully and sometimes reversed. If it is diagnosed in the beginning stages of bone loss,...
Cervical traction is a therapeutic tool used to pull or separate the vertebrae in the spine. According to "Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques," by Carolyn Kisner and Lynn Allen Colby, cervical traction can help flatten and...
The knee is the largest joint in the body and pain in this area is the number one reason people visited an orthopedist in 2003, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. The joint is complex being made up of three leg bones and the...
Acupuncture and massage therapy are forms of complementary and alternative medicine practiced for health and well-being. Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine and involves stimulation of certain points on the body. Massage therapy...
Much of the pain associated with osteoporosis comes from the more pronounced effects of gravity on weakened skeletal systems. A decrease in bone density can lead to stooping. This can impinge nerves or strain muscles habitually. You can literally...
Although many individuals perceive massage as a luxury item and not a therapy, this form of treatment can be highly effective in resolving health challenges such as stress. Using massage therapy for stress involves the work of a trained...
Hatha yoga is the yoga discipline perhaps most familiar to people in Western cultures. Typically seen in the West as a method of modern physical fitness, hatha yoga is an ancient practice from India that incorporates a variety of movements and...
Many things, from a simple ligament issue to a more complicated autoimmune disorder, can cause hip pain. Pain felt in the joint can come from nearby locations or the joint or bones that make up the joint. The hip joint is located between the...
Chiropractors are best known for their treatment of musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain and neck pain. These conditions frequently afflict older people. Osteoporosis is also a condition associated with aging. The increasingly fragile...
Beginning a yoga class can be intimidating when you are new. Find comfort in the fact that every student in a class was once new and that yoga is typically a noncompetitive activity. Wear comfortable clothing that lets you move, but that also...
The hip joint consists of four bones that fit together to make a ball and socket joint. Because the hip joint is a major source of support in the body, it's prone to injury and deterioration with time. Many diseases cause hip pain; some are minor...
Throughout life, old bone is constantly being broken down and replaced with new bone. New bone is replaced faster then it is broken down in childhood, and peak bone strength is usually obtained in the twenties. After that, bone is broken down...
Yoga is a mind-body form of exercise that helps you relax and get fit. Once you begin practicing regularly, you may notice a variety of therapeutic benefits, both mentally and physically. While yoga should not be substituted for your medications...
Bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by intense mood changes, may be improved by performing yoga. While effects need to be further studied, yoga appears to be a promising treatment option. Talk to your doctor if you have...
Yoga is one of the top 10 complementary and alternative forms of physical therapy, with close to 15 million Americans practicing yoga in 2007, according to the National Health Interview Survey. The exercises and techniques used in yoga can be...
SilverSneakers Yoga Stretch is a program of seated and standing yoga poses designed for older people. The poses help with balance, strength and flexibility, while the breathing exercises relieve stress and provide more energy, according to...
Stretching is an important part of each and every exercise program. Stretching increases flexibility, improves joint range of motion, improves circulation and can relieve stress. Stretching can also help to prevent injuries in athletes. Stretching...
Anxiety and stress can easily cause you to develop many symptoms that negatively impact your quality of life, like loss or gain of appetite, headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, depression, weight loss and weight gain. Anxiety and stress also worsen...
Osteopenia affects approximately half of all Americans over age 50 and increases the risk of bone fractures and other problems. While not as severe as osteoporosis, osteopenia requires treatment to ensure continued mobility later in life. Rowing...
Imagine a simple sneeze causing a bone fracture. This is a possible scenario if you suffer from severe osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is considered a major health hazard, affecting 55 percent of people age 50 and older, reports the National...
If you have or are at risk for osteoporosis, you should eat a healthy diet. Your goal should be to consume adequate calcium and vitamin D to maintain your bones. Although you also need protein in your diet, you should avoid consuming high amounts...
