Personal Physical Therapy Services
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Commonly Treated Conditions- Osteoporosis


Osteoporosis is a condition that is characterized by decreased bone mineral density and structural bone changes on the microscopic level. Because of these changes, those with osteoporosis or osteopenia (a condition of decreased bone mineral density in which the decreases are not significant enough to be classified as osteoporosis) are at increased risk of fracture; the lower one's bone density, the more significant the risk of fracture.
Osteoporosis is a silent disease, because people are unaware of these bony changes until a fracture has already occurred. The most common areas of fracture in an osteoporotic person are the spine, the hip, and the wrist. These fractures can have serious consequences that impair mobility and functional independence, decrease height and cause back pain. Although commonly thought of as a woman's disease, osteoporosis does not discriminate against men.

What causes osteoporosis?
Unfortunately, many of the risk factors associated with osteoporosis are not easily modified. Women are more commonly affected by osteoporosis, especially those of Asian or European descent. Small stature, age, genetics, medical conditions (for example renal failure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, etc) and post-menopausal status are all factors contributing to risk. Certain medications, such as prolonged steroid use, place one at a higher risk of bone mineral density changes as well. There are some causes of the disease that are modifiable. These include, but are not limited to, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy BMI (low BMI is correlated with increased risk), adequate Calcium and Vitamin D consumption, minimizing soft drink intake and participating in regular weight-bearing and resistive exercises.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is often present without noticeable symptoms. One may not be aware of her osteoporotic status until long after a fracture has occurred, as many times vertebral fractures go unnoticed or dismissed as a general backache. Being an informed health care consumer by being aware of risk factors associated with osteoporosis and communicating openly with one's health care provider is a powerful first step in the prevention of osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fractures. Bone density examinations are important tools in assessing and monitoring bone mineral density. The specific test that is used to assess bone mineral density is called DXA or DEXA (Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry). This painless test will identify if you have osteoporosis. Standardized scores on this test help your health care provider determine your current bone mineral density status.

  • A T-Score compares your bone density to others of the same gender. A T-score greater than (-1) is considered normal. A T-score of (-1) to (-2.5) is considered osteopenia, and a risk for developing osteoporosis. A T-score of less than (-2.5) is diagnostic of osteoporosis.

  • A Z-Score compares your bone density to others in your same age, weight, ethnicity and gender. A Z-score of less than (-1.5) raises concern of factors other than aging as contributing to osteoporosis. These factors may include thyroid abnormalities, malnutrition, medication interactions, tobacco use, and others.

How can physical therapy help?
Physical therapists not only treat people to help regain function and movement, but also play a role in education and prevention. A good time to see a physical therapist in regards to osteoporosis is long before there is any evidence of the condition! Ideally young girls and women should receive education about prevention of osteoporosis to lay the groundwork for healthy lifestyle habits, such as diet, posture and proper exercise. Maximum bone mass is achieved by the late twenties. Most healthy people maintain their bone mass up until age 35. At around this age gradual bone loss begins. Menopause and the post-menopausal years are a vulnerable time for the bones, as decreased estrogen levels affect bone maintenance. People throughout the life span can receive benefit from physical therapy to address osteoporotic concerns.

The treatment plan of the physical therapist includes education, exercise recommendations suited to the individual's needs, coordination and balance. These factors are also essential in preventing falls, which is important if you already have a risk of fractures. If a person has already sustained a fracture, physical therapy can play a key role in rehabilitation of his or her mobility, strength and function, as well as education regarding proper body mechanics necessary for everyday activities to minimize risk of future fracture. Once one has had an osteoporotic fracture, they are at a significantly higher risk for subsequent fracture, and physical therapy intervention can help minimize the chances that this will occur. Due to vertebral bone structure, it often does not take much force to incur a fracture, and a simple task such as bending down to load the dishwasher could be enough force to cause a vertebral fracture. Fractures can be devastating events in a person's life that lead to loss of independence and function.

Physical therapists have the skills necessary to help people with osteoporosis avoid such events and empower them to enjoy their maximum level of function and independence throughout the life span and with all levels of bone density.

Who Should be Referred to a Women's Health Physical Therapist?
Those with:
  • Pain related to osteoporosis
  • Poor posture
  • Balance concerns or falls
  • Decreased ability to participate in normal daily activities
  • Decreased strength, flexibility and/or endurance
  • Those wanting to prevent or slow further bone loss
  • Those interested in starting or resuming an exercise program




















Personal Physical Therapy Services

 
Dr. Jennifer Thibodeau, P.T., D.P.T.

480 W. Jubal Early Drive, Ste 310
Winchester, VA 22601
Phone/Text: (540)450-0680
Fax: (540)450-0681
Email: [email protected]

Privacy Policy
​Personal Physical Therapy Services is a private medical practice providing women’s health, men’s health, and orthopedic physical therapy care to the Winchester community and surrounding region. The purpose of this privacy policy is to let patients know how and in what situations personal information is gathered, maintained and safeguarded.


The type of patient information that will be requested to be collected at the time of initiation of medical care includes name, address, phone number, date of birth, emergency contact, a copy of your insurance card, a copy of your photo ID card, completion of paperwork detailing why you are requesting medical care, and a copy of any physician referral.

Patient information will be collected in the office at the initiation of medical care via paper and electronic methods.

No patient information is ever collected online or via SMS. Patient information will only be collected in the office at the time of the first medical evaluation and will only be utilized to the extent required to provide medical care, bill insurance, and/or communicate with a referring physician as allowed in accordance with HIPPAA compliant regulations.

Only necessary information for the purpose of providing medical care is ever maintained and safely stored in accordance with HIPAA compliant regulations. 

Personal Physical Therapy Services does not share any of your personal data with third parties, ever.

All patients have the right to their personal information. You may request more details anytime on how your information is being accessed and utilized in the delivery of your care. Please call the office directly to update or change the information that is on file.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact:
Dr. Jennifer Thibodeau PT, DPT 
Personal Physical Therapy Services 
480 W. Jubal Early Drive, Suite 310 
Winchester, VA 22601
Phone 540-450-0680 Fax 540-450-0681
Email [email protected]

SMS opt-in or phone numbers for the purpose of SMS are not being shared.

Terms & Conditions
A Terms of Service is a legally binding agreement between a service provider and the user, delineating the rules and conditions for utilizing the service. It typically encompasses aspects such as user rights, responsibilities, and limitations of liability.

1. Introduction
Welcome to Personal Physical Therapy Services. By accessing or using our services, including receiving SMS communications, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not engage with our services.
2. Consent for SMS Communication
By providing your consent to receive SMS communications, you acknowledge and agree to receive text messages from Personal Physical Therapy Services at the phone number you provide. Information obtained as part of the SMS consent process will not be shared with third parties.

3. Types of SMS Communications
If you have consented to receive text messages, you may receive SMS communications related to the following:
Patients: Updates regarding your care or other relevant information.
4. Standard Messaging Disclosures
Message and data rates may apply. Standard messaging rates will be charged by your mobile service provider.
You can opt-out of receiving SMS messages at any time by texting "STOP" to the number from which you received the message.
For assistance, text "HELP" or visit our [Privacy Policy URL] and [Terms of Service URL].
5. Privacy
We respect your privacy and will only use the information you provide to communicate with you via SMS as outlined above. Your personal data will not be shared with third parties unless required by law or as necessary to deliver the requested service.
6. Modifications
We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. By continuing to engage with our services, you agree to be bound by any changes to these terms.


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  • home
  • about
    • About the Staff
    • Clinic Information
    • Testimonials
  • First Appointment
  • Commonly Treated Conditions
    • Bowel Dysfunction
    • Incontinence
    • Osteoporosis
    • Pregnancy and Postpartum Rehab
    • Pelvic Pain Syndromes
  • contact/directions
  • Resources