Bone Mineral Density Test

If you have been suffering from back pain, have lost height over time, your posture has suffered, or you easily suffer bone fractures, you could be suffering from osteoporosis. This condition can cause your bones to become weaker and more brittle. To rule out this condition as the cause of your problems, you may be given a bone mineral density test. Once you receive your results, our physical therapy near Amityville, NY can help you.

What is a Bone Mineral Density Test?

A bone mineral density test measures the levels of calcium and other minerals are present in your bones. These results are used to determine whether or not a patient has osteoporosis. The test estimates the thickness/density of your bones using x-rays, so it is a painless procedure.  

Consider getting this procedure done if you are a postmenopausal woman, you have lost an inch and a half or more of your adult height, you are a man over 50 with other risk factors, you have broken a bone over the age of 50, your posture has become hunched over, you have back pain with no other noticeable cause, or you have gotten an organ transplant.  

What to do When You Receive Your Results

If it is discovered that you have a low mineral count in your bones, you may be diagnosed with osteoporosis. If your mineral count is high, it means that your problems are not caused by osteoporosis. Once you have made sense of your results, our physical therapy near Amityville, NY can step in to help. 

There are two kinds of scores you receive in your results, a T-score and a Z-score. The T-score indicates your level of bone density. A healthy T-score is -1 and above, scores between -1 and -2.5 indicate that you are at risk of developing osteoporosis. A T-score of -2.5 or below indicates that you have osteoporosis. The Z-score compares your T-score to those of people your age. A Z-score of -2 or below indicates that your bone mass loss is most likely due to something other than aging. 

How Our Physical Therapy near Amityville, NY Can Help 

There are multiple treatments for osteoporosis. Many medications can stop bone loss, but it is also a great idea to work with a physical therapist if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. A physical therapist can help you build bone or lessen your bone loss at the areas where you are most susceptible to fracture. 
Park Physical Therapy near Amityville, NY can work with you to keep your bones strong, lessening the risk of fractures. Our mission is to provide you with a better quality of life. Make your appointment with us today to ease your pain!