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[monilyn]

Good morning,

I am newly diagnosed with Osteopenia and my mother has full blown Osteoporosis. I am working on eating right and doing weight bearing exercises to help my own bones, but Mom has had 4 spinal fractures (now healed) and is struggling with pain every day. I want to help her to be active again but she is very resistant to exercise (even walking) because she says it hurts. I don't want to lose her and am looking for ways to help. Anyone have any gentle exercises for her to start with?

[dcdream]

Have her meet with a physical therapist who can develop a routine based on her ability and health issues.

[monilyn in reply to dcdream]

Thank you. I will try to find one close to home.

[FearFracture]

I don’t have any fragility fractures and have not tried this, but you might want to look into red light therapy. There is research showing that red light therapy relieves pain and can help with healing.

[monilyn in reply to FearFracture]

Thank you very much. I've never heard of red light therapy but will do some research on it.

[Fruitandnutcase]

I use a PEMF mat to deal with pain, I lie on it for 20 minutes morning and night and using that I was more or less able to give up pain killers after I fractured my sacrum - before that I was taking the maximum daily dose of paracetamol (acetaminophen?) and also sometimes adding ibuprofen.

You have to be able to get down to floor level to lie on it though and there are several contraindications so you need to check it out.

The doctor who does my OsteoScans recommended red light therapy to me - I didn’t go down that route as I was happy with PEMF.

I wouldn’t do unsupervised exercises and I would look for a physical therapist who is used to working with osteoporotic patients.If your mum can find some sort of gentle exercise that she can do I’m sure she would find it helps.

[monilyn in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thank you so much for your reply. I will definitely check this out. I hope your pain continues to improve with PEMF.

[accuneedle29]

She may be able to find a yoga class for those w/ pain, osteoporosis.

[monilyn in reply to accuneedle29]

Thank you 🙂

[Texanna]

One of the best exercises is a simple one: sit to stand. It’s so important that we all keep up with being able to get up from a chair, toilet or bed if we want to remain independent.

Here’s a great video with a set of simple exercises for osteoporosis (including sit to stand) by Dr. Andrea Furlan: youtu.be/lHXmrYe6vQs(Not working as expected?) She also has videos about pain and one about preventing falls for seniors.

Sorry your mom is dealing with pain everyday. I hope you can motivate her to try some exercises; however, motivating someone else is not easy. Everyone has to follow their own path. You do what you can do, but in the end it’s her choice. So try to encourage her, while remaining positive and patient.

[monilyn in reply to Texanna]

Thank you Texanna!! These are perfect

And thank you so much for your comments about motivating someone else. I love Mom so much and it's hard to remember that I have to let her choose for herself how she wants to "deal" with this disease.

I hope you are well.

[Bones4]

I’m 69 years old and was diagnosed with osteoporosis at age 51. Tell your Mom the best thing she can do is walk. Start easy, and gradually add distance. I like to walk 2-3 miles a day, at least 5 days a week. It strengthens bone and it’s scientifically proven to help ward off memory problems. PT helped me develop strength building exercise program for balance so I don’t fall. It makes a huge difference. I can take the grandkids on walks to the playground and feel stronger every day. You have to take control of this yourself. Good luck with you Mom!

[monilyn in reply to Bones4]

Bones4, thank you very much for your reply! I admire your perseverance and plan to share your comments with my Mom. I will keep them in mind while trying to keep my own bones strong. I hope you continue to stay active and strong!