Centre for Osteoporosis & Bone Health

The Multidisciplinary Osteoporosis Allied Health team members include:

Athletic Therapist

Athletic therapy is a profession specializing in the assessment, prevention, immediate care, and reconditioning of musculoskeletal injuries.  Our certified athletic therapist is also Bonefit Trained and is now offering education classes on safe and fun exercise for patients with lowered bone density.

Classess offered include:

Exercise class

To provide appropriate exercise and education based on Osteoporosis Canada’s Bonefit program to aid in the management of osteoporosis resulting in improved posture, strength , balance and self esteem

This class is offered once a week on a variety of days and times lasting approximately one hour  for 6 weeks

Education for exercise

To review guidelines for safe exercise in people who are already active and want to ensure they have a complete and safe  program

This is a one-time class offered for one hour several times per month.

Nordic Pole Walking

Offered once a month, this class is an introduction to the sport of Nordic Pole Walking.  Information is provided on pole fitting and correct technique in an indoor setting

Bone Densitometry Technologist

Our Bone Densitometry technologists are all Medical Radiation Technologists (M.R.T.) that have specialized in Bone Densitometry and have all been certified by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD). They provide the highest quality of testing in BMD. They have a comprehensive quality assurance program in place to assess the machines stability as well as the technologist’s technique.

The patients are given a BMD questionnaire that is reviewed by the technologists prior to being scanned. The technologists will also assess the patients to determine the appropriate site(s) for scanning.

Please visit our Test tab to learn more about BMD testing.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

The Clinical Nurse Specialist plays an important role in the coordination of patient care as the liaison between patients, physicians and other health care professionals. The CNS is involved in patient education on osteoporosis management and links patients to resources in their communities. In this advanced practice role, the CNS can provide ongoing assessment, advice and support for patients and their families.

Occupational Therapist

Consultation with the Occupational Therapist (OT) involves assessment and education to prevent osteoporotic fractures, such as:

Fall prevention strategies, including assessing your specifci fall risk factors which may be physical, behavioral and/or environmental

Education on proper body mechanics throughout your daily acitvities to diminish the incidence of vertebral osteoporotic fractures. The majority of these fractures are painless; therefore preventing them from happening in the first place is essential

Pharmacist

The pharmacist plays an important role in helping patients make a more informed decision on the medication options used for the treatment of osteoporosis. Patients receive counseling and education on how medications work, their safety and effectiveness, and potential side effects. Individualized assessment is provided to address potential drug interactions, to optimize medication adherence, and to facilitate financial assistance when needed.

Physical Therapist

The goals of physical therapy are to maintain bone health, improve posture, and reduce the risk of falls/fractures. A physical therapy consult involves an individualized activity plan that will be tailored to your fracture risk and fitness level. A program may include:

Strength-training protocols appropriate for osteoporosis

Review of weight-bearing activities

Activities to improve balance

Education to improve posture and body alignment

Review of exercises to avoid

Physician Specialist

The physicians specialize in a wide variety of disciplines, including endocrinology, rheumatology general internal medicine, and women’s health.

Registered Dietitian

The dietitian will assess your specific nutritional needs and design a nutrition prescription for your bone health. Did you know that maximizing your overall nutritional intake can improve muscle strength, balance and bone health? The optimal eating plan for bone health should include:

• Adequate calcium and Vitamin D
• Adequate dietary sources of B12, Vitamin K, and magnesium
• Adequate fruit and vegetable intake
• Appropriate intake of dietary protein
• Minimizing caffeine, sodium and alcohol intake
• Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight

 

Bone Mineral Density Testing

Women’s College hospital offers Bone Mineral Density tests using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

For health professionals interested in referring a patient for a BMD Test, please complete the referral form on the “for providers” tab

What is a Bone Mineral Density Test?

A bone density scan is a simple, non-invasive and painless exam to measure bone mass in areas such as your spine and hip. The standard test uses a low dose X-ray to detect signs of bone thinning. While the patient is lying on the machine bed, an X-ray is emitted from underneath the bed and passes through the body. These X-rays are captured by the machine directly above the patient and measured. An image is produced and calculations are made to determine the density of the bone. The denser (thicker) the bones, the less X-rays pass through. If the bones are less dense (thin), more X-rays will pass through.  By measuring the density of the bones, we can:

evaluate for low bone mass or osteoporosis

determine future fracture risk

determine your rate of bone loss or monitor the effects of treatment.

Preparing for your BMD Test

A bone density scan requires little preparation. You may eat normally and take medications as prescribed by your doctor the morning of your test. However, we advise that patients do not take any calcium tablets on the day of the test. If a calcium tablet is taken just before the BMD test it may not be fully dissolved and may affect the results. Clothing with no zippers or metal buttons are recommended. The actual procedure only takes a few minutes to complete.