Safe lifting practices

[Delrvich]

How do you avoid further injuring someone suffering osteoporosis, who often falls, has fallen causing fractures in the past, and has to be helped to their feet?

[HeronNS]

I expect someone with experience will contribute soon. Intuitively, however, I feel that a two-pronged approach would work best, if possible. As the helper you likely need guidance from someone like a physiotherapist or similar professional. And the person with osteoporosis would definitely benefit from simple exercises designed to improve muscular strength and proprioception (sense of balance), also as recommended by a professional.

[Delrvich in reply to HeronNS]

Good idea. I will google some physiotherapist forums, but, please advise if you of any. Thank you.

[yogalibrarian in reply to Delrvich]

This may not be a time for self-diagnosis and Dr. Google. Instead, please start with a physical therapist (or healthcare provider who can refer you).

The PT can assess your condition, perhaps understand some underlying causes, and design a safe effective program for you, The PT can also provide some supervision and monitoring to help you do the exercises in the most effective way.

And if there are underlying causes for your falls, you will need/want to manage those as well.

[Delrvich in reply to yogalibrarian]

Thank you but this person has been to a few Drs about this condition and hasn't yet been ordered a PT nor have I been given any informal training or the authorization to get a PT or training.

[dcdream in reply to Delrvich]

I had to demand from my doctor a referral to a physical therapist in order to receive the type of assistance you reference. After demanding a referral (I was ready to leave this doctor and find a doctor who would do so), I worked with a physical therapist who developed a safe effective weight lifting routine, along with an exercise routine. In addition, the therapist developed a balance routine, as well as, training on proper body mechanics and posture. In addition, I demanded from my doctor a referral to a nutritionist to make certain my diet was geared to my osteoporosis needs. You will need to be forceful on this.

[Bluewoman]

I do not have osteoporosis, but I do have osteopenia. I have fallen a number of times. I find the best way to "stand me up" is to reach under my arms -- from the back -- and pull me up to a standing position. It requires someone with some strength to do it. If you offer me a hand from the front and try to pull me up, it just doesn't work. I am not answering this as a physical therapist, but as someone who has fallen and usually can't get up by myself.

[Fivefold in reply to Bluewoman]

Bluewoman - if the person is young and strong, they can possibly lift you. HOWEVER, that exact lifting method you described is the way I was injured with 50% compression fracture of L5 (while assisting a small elderly lady off the floor). So, you should be cautious as to WHO is helping to lift you up because that helpful person might become permanently injured such as myself. I am over 6 months from injury and very limited in any activity despite doctors, acupuncture, chiropractic and physical therapy.

[dcdream in reply to Fivefold]

I was told by my physical therapist to never lift a person up to avoid injuring myself.

[dcdream]

Demand from your doctor a referral to a physical therapist in your area/hospital. I had to do so and am currently in therapy for learning proper body mechanics, balance, strength training, etc. It has completely changed my life in how I do daily activities like bending to pick up things, carry packages, wash dishes, etc. I'm finally learning how to improve my posture to avoid further harm to my spine etc. I'm learning to develop a strong core as well. All doctors should do this as soon as someone tests osteopenia, as promoting and building strong bones and bone health is crucial. Good luck with that.

[Watercolorgirl]

Get them on tymlos bone med!#! You have to have a current fracture to get it though. Have your dr appeal it if insirance denies you. Tymlos reversed my osteoporosis to osteopenia. But even with osteopenia you have to be careful. Bones can still break!!

[Maieva in reply to Watercolorgirl]

I wanted to take Tymlos, but my insurance, Regence Blueshield would not okay it without me trying something else for one year! My endocrinologist who is at the Mayo Clinic appealed the decision and still was denied and I have very bad numbers. Currently on Reclast until August and will hopefully be on Tymlos next. I pay ALOT for insurance each month. So disappointing.