Do you have Osteopenia or Osteoporisis? We can help!
Contact our Physiotherapy Department at 930.5956.

What is Osteoporosis?

The Osteoporosis Program at the Misericordia

The Osteoporosis Program is a a five-week program of classes that provides information and exercises for individuals with osteopenia or osteoporosis. The program is taught by two registered physical therapists, with sessions on nutrition by a dietitian and medications by a pharmacist. The goals of the program are to teach correction of posture, provide basics of strengthening exercises, teach patients what they should do and should not do, and ultimately prevent fractures and functional loss resulting from osteoporosis. Participants receive a course manual consisting of instructional material and exercise sheets. The initial class is approximately two hours long; with subsequent classes about one hour in length. The program allows the participant to learn and practice posture correction and exercises appropriate for people with osteoporosis and be able to apply this knowledge when progressing to community programs. If required, patients unable to manage the class format can receive individual treatment.

An Overview of Osteoporosis Program at Misericordia CHHS

Session One

• General information about low bone density
• Postural change with osteoporosis
• Fall prevention
• Exercise basics
• Do's and don'ts with osteoporosis
• Correct body mechanics during daily activities

Session Two

• Posture correction in sitting and standing
• Demonstration and practice of lower abdominal exercises
• Demonstration and practice of lower extremity strengthening exercises

Session Three

• Review and practice of Session Two activities
• Progression of weight-bearing strengthening exercises for the lower extremities
• Demonstration and practice of upper extremity strengthening exercises
• Information on frequency and progression of exercises and precautions

Session Four

• Information on nutrition for osteoporosis provided by dietitian

Session Five

• Information on medications for osteoporosis provided by pharmacist

Session Six

• How to start a walking program
• Review of all exercises

Refresher Classes

• One hour sessions offered once a month to past participants to review exercise program