New Study Reports: “A Fracture Anywhere Reduces Bone Density Everywhere”

Physical Therapist Holly Herman Stresses the Importance of Preventing Fractures in the First Place

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With approximately 6.3 million fractures occurring each year in the U.S., recent studies by UC Davis Health reveal that when you fracture a bone anywhere in your body, that fracture can cause bone density loss throughout the entire body. While the mechanism by which this occurs has not yet been precisely determined, they believe that it is related to the higher levels of inflammatory markers in the blood.

“This is important news,” says Holly Herman, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Orthopedic and Women’s Health. “These studies tell us that those who have experienced a fracture are subject to additional fractures – not necessarily near the location of the original fracture – leaving a huge population concerned with bone health and avoiding additional fractures. We also know that women are at higher risk for wrist fractures than men.”

Stress fractures caused by repetitive motions are responsible for about 10% of all sports overuse injuries. Among the many ways we can prevent additional fractures are:

• Exercising to improve balance and strength, and for women most importantly: quadriceps strengthening, one legged balance activities, postural correction of the kyphosis in the thorax and head, abdominal strengthening, and correctly fitting shoes. All shoes should be a thumb's width longer than the longest toe, with an added 1/8” width at the ball of the foot. Foot size changes are common in post-partum women and women between the ages 35 - 50.
• Fall-proofing your home, where most fractures occur, by installing handrails, taping down carpets and throw rugs, clearing out hallways and stairs, clearing off outside stairways and installing rubber mats on steps, and adding a night light in the bathroom.
• Wearing protective gear like Wellgate’s wrist supports during exercise.
• Taking vitafusion™ Calcium and vitafusion™ Vitamin D₃ for bone and immune support if a blood or saliva test indicates a supplement is necessary. Both are easy-to-take gummies with clinically proven absorption for vitamins C and D. The Osteoporosis medicine Reclast, a once-a-year infusion for three years, has been shown to be helpful.

Dr. Holly Herman has been a physical therapist (PT) for more than 43 years, with a full-time private practice in Cambridge, MA, providing diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic, biofeedback, sexual medicine and pelvic rehabilitation for women and men.