Current knowledge about physiotherapeutic strategies in osteoporosis prevention and treatment

In treating patients with osteoporosis, one option in physiotherapy is to comply with given physical norms by using physical stimuli to influence biological functions and structures (bone, muscle) for adaptation, stimulation, and regeneration. Serial physical stimuli can also be used for interventions and actions to minimise pain perception by means of biopsychosocial influence. In osteoporosis, physiotherapy has to be rated on a par with pharmacotherapy with respect to prevention, cure, and rehabilitation. Generally, two different aims can be defined: (1) those which can be achieved with physical therapy alone, such as structural improvement of the existing and pharmacologically increased bone tissue, slowing down of round-back formation, and fall prophylaxis and (2) those which can be achieved with physiotherapy and pharmacotherapy, such as effective pain relief and increased bone density. Regulation and normalisation of physical capacities with an aim towards maintenance and economisation of functions and improvement in abilities call for a skillful and case-specific use of physiotherapy.