by guest blogger: Megan Winegar
At the time of the post Megan had just completed her final practicum as a Student Physical Therapist.
Do you have osteoporosis or osteopenia? Are you looking for an exercise program that is both safe and effective at increasing bone density, strength, and balance? Yoga may just be the answer you are looking for! With a growing popularity of yoga practice, more individuals are participating in yoga on a regular basis as a form of physical exercise and mental relaxation.1 Indicating that it is now, more than ever, imperative for yoga instructors and students to understand the benefits as well as the need for modifications to facilitate a safe yoga practice for individuals with osteoporosis.2
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that leads to a decrease in the density and quality of bone.3 This causes bones throughout the body to become weak, fragile, and brittle putting the individual at an increased risk of fracture. Evidence reports that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men 50 years and older will experience an osteoporotic fracture at some point in their life.3 Osteoporotic fractures are most commonly seen at the hip, spine, and wrist.3
Osteoporosis has been referred as the “silent disease” due to the lack of signs and symptoms associated with it.3 So how do you know if you have osteoporosis? According to International Osteoporosis Foundation, there are a number of risk factors that can increase your likelihood of developing osteoporosis. Modifiable risk factors are risk factors that you have the power of changing through lifestyle modifications. These risk factors include: alcohol consumption, smoking, decrease body mass index, poor nutrition, vitamin D deficiency, eating disorders, estrogen deficiency, sedentary lifestyle, and frequent falls.3
Along with identifying risk factors, specific tests can be performed to determine if you have osteoporosis. The most common diagnostic test utilized is the Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), which is a low dose X-Ray that is primarily used to measure bone density.3
If you are at risk of developing osteoporosis because of lifestyle factors or have been recently diagnosed, the time to act is now! Physical exercise, with focus on low weight bearing activities, can help build and maintain bone strength.2,3 Now let’s dive deeper into the benefits associated with yoga for individuals with osteoporosis.
Benefits of yoga for an individual with osteoporosis
Yoga is a great form of exercise for all individuals, including individuals with osteoporosis! The evidence supports that individuals with osteoporosis should participate in low level weight bearing activities in order to decrease risk of falls and/or fractures.2,3 Yoga offers a great benefit as it can significantly improve an individual’s strength, balance, postural control, muscular endurance, flexibility, and spinal mobility.2 Along with these improvements, yoga is also a low impact weight bearing activity that can help stimulate and maintain new bone growth, which is essential in treating and preventing osteoporosis.4 As you can see, there are a number of benefits associated with yoga and yoga can be utilized as an alternative treatment approach for individuals with osteoporosis! The time to take control of your health and wellness is now! Let’s build strong bones together!
What you need to know to safely participate in yoga!
Caution is advised for individuals with osteoporosis who participate in ANY type of physical activity. However, caution does not mean you should stop moving all together. Movement is still key with a large emphasis on SAFE movement.
To promote safe movement during yoga, poses should focus on maintaining spinal alignment and limiting backward bending and forward bending to middle range.5 Props such as bolsters, foam blocks, chairs, belts, and blankets can be utilized to assist with modifications during the session. There is “no one size fits all” in yoga, which is why modifications are necessary!2 This may require a consultation first with a Physical Therapist. A Physical Therapist can help you modify exercise and yoga for safe participation. Once you understand modifications and limitation, you and your yoga instructor can work together as a team to determine appropriate modifications that allow for safe participation in yoga.
Individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia should avoid movements that involve extreme end range of motion such as forward bending, backward bending, and rotation of the spine as well as end range rotation of the hip.5 These movements are considered “contraindicated” due to the amount of stress that is placed on the spine and hip joint. Along with avoiding specific movements, it is important to be mindful and aware of the position your body is in when transitioning in and out of poses.5 For example, when transitioning from lying on your back to sitting, the “log roll” technique is often recommended to decrease the stress to the spine. With appropriate modifications and education, individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia can safely participate in yoga!
Top 4 Modifications for Yoga
1. Avoid sitting on the floor with unsupported rounded posture: Modify by sitting on a bolster with the hips positioned above the knees
Elevate hips above knees in sitting to keep back straight
2. Avoid forceful forward bending of the spine to end range of motion
3. Avoid forceful twisting of the spine or hips to end range of motion
4. Be aware of your body position when transitioning in and out of poses
If you are interested in yoga but don’t know where to start, Stephanie has a few resources that can help guide you through the process! If you have risk factors and want to prevent bone loss or if you have osteopenia, the Bone Health Video is a great place to start. If you feel like you need more information but like to go it alone, you can purchase the Yoga for Better Bones Package, which includes an interactive presentation and the Bone Health Video for ongoing practice.
If you like to be face-to-face to focus on your specific goals, then give Stephanie a call to set up a private session today! Trust me, you will not be disappointed! I have personally had the opportunity to attend multiple one-on-one sessions with Stephanie during my six week practicum and the care she provides goes well beyond the standard practice. Her ability to evaluate and treat clients with a holistic approach is a skill that many healthcare professionals have not fully grasped! Stephanie truly cares for her clients and spends the extra time digging deeper to determine the root of the problem!
As always, remember that yoga is a judgment free and non-competitive activity to promote a safe environment for everyone to thrive in. Be kind to one another and support each other through the journey of yoga!
Peace be with you,
Megan
References:
1. Lee M, Huntoon EA, Sinaki M. Soft Tissue and Bony Injuries Attributed to the Practice of Yoga: A Biomechanical Analysis and Implications for Management. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2019;94(3):424-431. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2018.09.024.
2. Norlyk Smith E, Boser A. Yoga, vertebral fractures, and osteoporosis: research and recommendations. International Journal of Yoga Therapy. 2013;23(1):17-23.
3. What is Osteoporosis? International Osteoporosis Foundation. http://www.iofbonehealth.org/what-is-osteoporosis. Accessed March 30, 2019.
4. Lu Y-H, Rosner B, Chang G, Fishman LM. Twelve-Minute Daily Yoga Regimen Reverses Osteoporotic Bone Loss. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation. 2016;32(2):81-87. doi:10.1097/tgr.0000000000000085.
5. McArthur C, Laprade J, Giangregorio LM. Suggestions for Adapting Yoga to the Needs of Older Adults with Osteoporosis. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2016;22(3):223-226. doi:10.1089/acm.2014.0397.