Osteo-Circuit Program

Diagnosed with Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a medical condition described as having low bone mass, a result of the deterioration of bone tissue. Loss of bone mass results in the fragility of bones and this loss of bone strength increases the potential risk of fracture, particularly in the hip, shoulder, wrist and spine. The challenging feature of this disease is that a reduction in bone density happens without any symptoms so unless you’re testing specifically for the disease you’ll never know you have it until it’s too late, i.e. diagnosed after a fracture, at which point the disease is very advanced.

The effects of this disease are prevalent. From the rate of occurrence, which is quite high; the combined incidence of strokes, breast cancer and heart attacks that take place annually do not surpass the number of broken bones due to osteoporosis. The impact on the Canadian healthcare system is significant, with costs estimated at $3.9 billion annually. These costs relate to acute care, outpatient care, prescribed drugs, and indirect costs.

Facts and Figures
*Taken from the Osteoporosis Canada website – www.osteoporosis.ca

• Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become thin and porous increasing their fragility and the potential for fractures.
• The most common areas for fracture include wrist, spine, shoulder and hip.
• 2010 figures estimate the cost to the Canadian healthcare system of treating osteoporosis and the resulting fractures comes in around $2.3 billion annually. If we assume a portion of the affected Canadians ends up living in a long-term care facility, that number rises to about $3.9 billion.
• Over 80% of all fractures in people over 50 are a result of osteoporosis.
• 28% of women and 37% of men who suffer a hip fracture will die within the following year.
• Osteoporotic hip fractures consume more hospital bed days than stroke, diabetes, or heart attack.
• Fewer than 20% of fracture patients in Canada currently undergo diagnosis or adequate treatment for osteoporosis.
• Without BMD testing, 80% of patients with a history of fractures are not given osteoporosis therapies. Hundreds of thousands of Canadians needlessly fracture each year because their osteoporosis goes undiagnosed and untreated.
• A study recently reported that only 44% of people discharged from hospital for a hip fracture return home; of the rest, 10% go to another hospital, 27% go to rehabilitation care, and 17% go to long-term care facilities.

Is Osteoporosis Manageable?
After reading the facts, the following question may arise: What can be done to protect and extend one’s quality of life if you receive a diagnosis of osteoporosis? Our Physiotherapy clinic in Newmarket offers a comprehensive program called Osteo-Circuit to help individuals manage this potentially debilitating disease.

Our Osteo-Circuit program arms patients with the knowledge to do the correct exercises to increase bone health and overall fitness. Certain exercises are important, while others can be harmful – knowing what to do and what not to do when it comes to exercise becomes critical.

Participants of the Osteo-Circuit program undergo a program specific assessment by a physiotherapist where we determine your medical and physical status. We also ask about your personal goals and the activities you enjoy doing so meaningful targets are established. In addition, other conditions such as arthritis, joint replacements and back pain are considered when designing your customized program.

The Osteo-Circuit program is a very dynamic one aimed at improving your:
1. Alignment and Posture
2. Core and Spinal Strength
3. Upper and Lower Extremity Strength
4. Flexibility and Balance
5. Stamina
Related information will be supplied on topics such as Vitamin D, Calcium, Proper Body Mechanics and Exercise.

The progressive nature of the Osteo-Circuit program will conduct regular assessments to evaluate a person’s progress with the necessary adjustments made along the way. Patients usually look forward to these assessments because it helps them track how much improvement they made. The approach is to deliver a customized program that is as safe, progressive and effective as possible.

The Osteo-Circuit programming is designed to be challenging while still remaining fun. People usually enjoy the insights gained through their therapist interactions and largely benefit from belonging to an active and highly motivated group. Although the program is designed for group supervised exercise, the option for private individual sessions is also available. And as this is a Physiotherapy program, you may be able to claim your fees through your Extended Health Care Plan.

The Osteo-Circuit program is an evidenced based exercise program offered by trained physiotherapists. The program is:

• Supervised
• Customized
• Dynamic
• Progressive
• Fun & Affordable

For more details or questions around the Osteo-Circuit program, please contact our clinic.