Treatment

Regular monitoring is essential to assess the effectiveness of treatment and make any necessary adjustments. This includes:

1. Bone Density Tests: DEXA scans have long been the standard test for measuring bone density and monitoring the progression of osteoporosis. However, DEXA scans have numerous limitations and downsides. A new technology, Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS), offers a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of bone health and conditions like osteoporosis and monitoring treatment efficacy, all without radiation. The Echolight device is the first FDA-registered, radiation-free bone density system to enter the U.S. market. It is an innovative diagnostic tool that evaluates the bone quality and estimates fracture risk independently of bone mineral density. Learn more about Echolight.
2. Blood Tests: Blood tests may be conducted to monitor calcium, vitamin D, and other markers of bone turnover. These tests help ensure that the body has adequate levels of these essential nutrients and assess the impact of treatment.
3. Medication Review: Regular medication regimen reviews are necessary to ensure efficacy and minimize side effects. This may involve switching medications or adjusting dosages. At OsteoSmart, we choose not to treat osteoporosis with pharmaceuticals. However, our treatments and therapies will still be effective for patients that choose to remain on their already prescribed medication.

The Limfa Therapy System is a cutting-edge medical device developed and manufactured in Italy that stimulates cells without invasive procedures. It is safe, painless, highly effective, and causes no discomfort or side effects.

Limfa Therapy uses low-frequency electromagnetic waves to communicate with cells, promoting healing and pain relief. These waves cause the walls of cells to vibrate, sending signals to the cellular membrane and restoring the cells’ electrochemical balance and functions. This form of therapy is known as Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy. This drug-free advanced therapy for osteoporosis can quickly and efficiently enhance bone formation and increase bone mineral density. Low-frequency PEMFs have been proven to improve bone mineral density in the spine, distal radius (wrist), and knee in osteoporosis patients. PEMFs are also beneficial in enhancing bone mechanical strength and improving bone microstructure by promoting bone formation and suppressing bone resorption.

Learn more about Limfa Therapy.

Lifestyle modifications are a crucial part of managing osteoporosis and are often the first step in treatment. These changes include:

1. Dietary Adjustments: A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is essential for bone health. Calcium is the primary mineral in bones, and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Foods high in calcium include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods. Sun exposure and certain foods like fatty fish provide vitamin D, but supplements may be necessary, especially for those with limited sun exposure or dietary intake.
2. Exercise: Regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises can help maintain bone density and improve balance, reducing the risk of falls and fractures. Walking, jogging, dancing, and resistance training are beneficial. To avoid injury, exercise programs should be tailored to individual abilities and health conditions. Learn more about our fitness and exercise program.
3. Lifestyle Habits: Smoking cessation and moderating alcohol consumption are important for bone health. Smoking has been shown to decrease bone mass. Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact bone health by interfering with the absorption of calcium and vitamin D and disrupting the balance of hormones involved in bone remodeling. It inhibits the activity of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and increases bone loss, leading to a higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures. While moderate drinking might not have severe effects, heavy alcohol use significantly reduces bone density over time.
4. Fall Prevention: Making the home environment safer by removing trip hazards, installing grab bars, and ensuring adequate lighting can help prevent falls, which is particularly important for individuals with osteoporosis.

Medications are often prescribed to treat osteoporosis, especially in individuals at high risk of fractures. However, at OsteoSmart, we provide our patients with alternative therapies and recommendations that serve as an alternative to pharmaceutical treatment.

1. Bisphosphonates: These drugs slow down bone loss by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone. Common bisphosphonates include alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, and zoledronic acid. They are available in oral or intravenous forms, with dosing schedules ranging from daily to yearly. Box Warnings: GI Irritation, Hypocalcemia, Severe joint, muscle, and bone pain, Osteonecrosis of the jaw, Atypical femur fractures: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/020560s070lbl.pdf
2. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs): SERMs, such as raloxifene, mimic the bone-preserving effects of estrogen without some of the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy. They are particularly useful for postmenopausal women. Box Warnings: Increased risk of venous thromboembolism, increased risk of death due to stroke: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/020815s034lbl.pdf
3. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Estrogen therapy can help maintain bone density in postmenopausal women, although it is usually reserved for those who also have menopausal symptoms and are at significant risk of fractures. HRT is associated with potential risks, such as cardiovascular events and certain cancers, so it is generally considered for short-term use.
4. Denosumab: This monoclonal antibody works by inhibiting a protein in bone resorption, thus reducing bone loss. Denosumab is administered via injection every six months and is an option for individuals who cannot tolerate bisphosphonates. Box Warnings: Hypocalcemia, Osteonecrosis of the jaw, Atypical femur fractures, Vertebral fractures after discontinuation of the medication, Serious skin infection and dermatologic reactions, Severe joint, muscle, and bone pain, Suppression of bone turnover: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/125320s213lbl.pdf
5. Anabolic Agents: These medications stimulate new bone formation, such as teriparatide and abaloparatide. They are typically used in individuals with severe osteoporosis or those who have not responded to other treatments. These drugs are given by daily injection and are usually prescribed for a limited duration. Box Warnings: Osteosarcoma, Hypercalcemia and Cutaneous Calcification, Urolithiasis, Orthostatic Hypotension: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/021318s057lbl.pdf
6. Romosozumab: This newer medication both increases bone formation and decreases bone resorption, making it a potent treatment option. It is administered via monthly injections for up to a year and is usually considered for those at high risk of fractures. Box Warnings: Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE), Hypersensitivity reactions, Hypocalcemia, Osteonecrosis of the jaw, Atypical Femur fracture: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/761062s002lbl.pdf