MODERN APPROACHES TO OSTEOPOROSIS REHABILITATION: ANALYSIS OF CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT EFFECTIVENESS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52340/jecm.2025.06.33Keywords:
osteoporosis, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, exercise, fracture, preventionAbstract
Osteoporosis is a major public health concern characterized by reduced bone mineral density, increased bone fragility, and a heightened risk of fractures. The condition is particularly prevalent among postmenopausal women and commonly presents with fractures of the femoral neck, spine, and shoulder. The underlying mechanism involves the loss of bone mass and disturbances in mineral homeostasis, leading to decreased mechanical strength of the skeleton. Management and rehabilitation remain significant challenges from both medical and socio-economic perspectives. Modern therapeutic approaches emphasize the integration of pharmacological treatment and rehabilitation strategies aimed at strengthening bone tissue, restoring functional capacity, and preventing complications. Physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, balance training, and balneological interventions play a central role in improving mobility and overall quality of life.
According to contemporary research, integrated rehabilitation programs — including ROPE-type resistance-reactive exercises, sensorimotor and balance training, physiotherapeutic modalities (such as magnetotherapy and electrotherapy), and balneotherapy — result in an average increase in bone mineral density, up to a 40% reduction in pain intensity, and a 23–30% decrease in fall risk. Studies also demonstrate that comprehensive rehabilitation significantly improves muscular strength, proprioception, and functional performance, thereby reducing the likelihood of fractures in high-risk populations.
This article reviews modern rehabilitation approaches for osteoporosis, presents clinical examples, and highlights the crucial role of physiotherapy in disease management and prevention.
Downloads
References
International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF). Global Facts on Osteoporosis. 2021.
Kanis JA et al. Osteoporosis and fragility fractures in Europe: Burden, management and outcomes. Arch Osteoporos. 2020;15:59.
Johnell O, Kanis JA. Epidemiology of osteoporotic fractures. Osteoporos Int. 2005;16 Suppl 2:S3–S7.
Hernlund E et al. Osteoporosis in the elderly: Vertebral fractures and mortality. Osteoporos Int. 2013;24:2343–2350.
Georgian National Osteoporosis Association. Annual Report 2022.
Adjara Regional Bone Health Study, 2020–2023.
Melton LJ 3rd. Epidemiology of fractures. Bone. 2003;33:113–118.
Rizzoli R et al. Prevention of osteoporosis: A global perspective. Osteoporos Int. 2014;25:2049–2063.
Landin LA. Epidemiology of childhood fractures. Acta Orthop Scand. 1997;68:617–624.
Giangregorio LM, Papaioannou A. Rehabilitation in osteoporosis: evidence and guidelines. Curr Osteoporos Rep. 2006;4:138–144.
Koller A et al. Post-fracture rehabilitation in osteoporosis. J Clin Med. 2022;11:845.
Petrov S, Dimitrov P. Therapeutic massage and kinesitherapy in osteoporotic patients. Phys Med Rehabil. 2021;37:23–29.
Shumway-Cook A, Woollacott M. Motor Control: Theory and Practical Applications. 2017.
Popov V. Instrumental physiotherapy: Principles and applications. Rehabil Med. 2019;54:10–18.
Petrova V et al. Calcium-ion electrophoresis in postmenopausal women: Effects on BMD. J Bone Miner Res. 2023;38:112–120.
Gao L et al. Fluoride electrophoresis combined with EMS and resistance exercise. Osteoporos Int. 2024;35:45–53.
Li H et al. PEMF therapy for osteoporosis: Effects on BMD and pain. Clin Rehabil. 2024;38:201–210.
Zhang Y et al. Magnetotherapy plus rehabilitation in vertebral fractures. Spine J. 2023;23:845–855.
Dimitrova A et al. Balneotherapy and therapeutic exercise in osteoporotic patients. Int J Biometeorol. 2022;66:1207–1216.
Ivanov I et al. Radon baths and rehabilitation for osteoporosis. J Phys Ther Sci. 2023;35:98–105.
Smith P et al. ROPE exercises for postmenopausal osteoporosis: A 10-year retrospective study. Osteoporos Int. 2022;33:1847–1858.
Brown JP, Josse RG. Clinical practice guidelines for osteoporosis: Rehabilitation and monitoring. CMAJ. 2020;192:E844–E851.
