Osteoporosis & Posture

Osteoporosis, or loss of bone density, may lead to "brittle bones" and fractures, particularly in the spine, hips, and pelvis.  When the vertebrae are affected, 'wedging' of the anterior portion of the spinal bones may occur, which leads to a flexed or kyphotic posture.  With a rounded trunk, you will also see protracted shoulders, and a forward head posture, with excessive capital (head) extension.  Just by observing someone, you will have multiple treatment ideas. 

First and most importantly is to correct their posture by stretching the short, tight muscles and strengthening the stretched out weaker muscles.  Lets start at the head and neck.  With a forward head posture, you will have weak capital (head) flexors, and tight capital extensors.  To counteract this, teach your client chin tucks.  This will stretch the tight suboccipitals while strengthening the capital/head flexors.  It will also realign your ear with your acromion on both sides. 
Now for the shoulders and Scapulae.  We need to stretch our pectorals which have been tightened due to the constant protraction of the shoulders.  The posterior muscles have been stretched out and are weak due to this protracted posture, so you will need to work the retractors such as the rhomboids, rear delts and middle traps..."Bring those shoulders back!"

Most likely there will be a flat lower back, with loss of the lordotic curve.  Pelvic tilts are helpful to reintroduce flexibility and motion to this region.  you will also want to incorporate core stability training to your client, progressing from static to dynamic postures.  Focus on glute training with bridges and glute sets, as the glutes assist in lower back stabilization. 

Integrating the above techniques into each of your client's sessions will help them to correct their current posture, prevent any future injuries and impove their overall results, as it enhances efficiency of all movement.  Once you have corrected posture, then you can move into body mechanics and training movement patterns.