Postmenopausal spinal osteoporosis: physical therapy and rehabilitation principles.

In this communication the physical therapy and rehabilitation measures utilized in the management of patients with spinal osteoporosis are discussed. The bone loss and the subsequent bone disease that occur in some older persons, and especially in postmenopausal women, call for special physical therapeutic measures. One should be cautious about prescribing exercises, for some may predispose the spine to undue sprain and strain. This principle applies to any exercise program, whether therapeutic or recreational.