Exercise therapy

Even if a vertebral fracture has already occurred, specific physiotherapy and physical treatments can help. These are developed together with the physiotherapist and the doctor to strengthen muscles and quickly restore mobility. Drugs and a back brace relieve the pain.

It is essential that the exercises are continued even after the fracture has healed. The main aim here is to build up the stamina of the back muscles. Special back braces using the bio-feedback principle help support the spine and promote muscle build-up. In addition to exercises by and with a physiotherapist, there are some types of sport that are particularly suitable for patients with osteoporosis: hiking or walking, cross-country skiing, swimming and dancing.

Training is especially effective when done outdoors. This sort of exercise not only builds up muscle bulk, but sunlight also stimulates the formation of vitamin D in the skin.

Exercises to do at home (General comments)

Before you start the exercises, please consult your doctor and/or physiotherapist. If pain develops during an exercise, stop the exercise straight away and tell your doctor.

• Don't make any abrupt movements.
• Carry out each exercise smoothly and steadily.
• All the exercises should be repeated three to five times depending on your own personal fitness.
• Do the exercises regularly, three to four times a week.

Exercises in a standing position

Lift up your hands to about the level of your chest and press the palms of the hands together as hard as possible.

• Stretch your arms up and press the palms of your hands together as hard as possible above your head.
• Raise your hands to about chest level.
• Now press the fingertips of both hands hard against each other.
• Sling a towel around the back of your head and grip both ends.
• Pull the towel hard forwards and push your head backwards at the same time.
• Hold both ends of the towel at about head height.
• Pull the ends apart as hard as you can.
• Lift up one leg and wrap the towel around the back of your knee.
• Pull both ends of the towel upwards strongly and press downwards with your knee
• Repeat this four to five times and then change legs.

Make circling movements with your shoulders: 4 to 5 times forwards, then 4 to 5 times backwards.

• Stretch your arms and chest upwards and breathe in deeply.
• Then bend your upper body forwards, let your arms hang loosely and breathe out slowly.
• Hold your arms, elbows bent, at about chest height.
• Move your arms sideways and backwards, with a "spring-back" action.
• Place your hands on your hips. Bend sideways with a "spring-back" action.
• Alternate bending to both sides.
• Place your left arm on your right shoulder and your right arm on your left shoulder
• Now press both elbows together strongly. Hold for a few seconds.
• Change arms.

Stand sideways in a doorway.

• Place your hands on the left and right of the door frame. Now press the hands together hard and hold for a few seconds.