← Return to Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain

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@jenniferhunter

@bayhorse When I asked my doctor about myself having some osteopenia in the neck of the femur, his response was you need to stress it to cause more bone growth, and they recommend weight bearing exercise. With osteoporosis, the bones have progressed to being thinner. If that was really severe, there would be a lot of things that could pose a risk.

I was able to find this journal which talks about a couple of case studies of elderly people with osteoporosis undergoing myofascial release.
https://journals.lww.com/jgpt/citation/2002/25030/myofascial_release_as_complementary_in_physical.27.aspx
There is a button on the left side to download the PDF version (free) which will be bigger so you can read it. This talks bout MFR improving their posture and balance which is good for fall prevention. MFR isn't really very different than a massage, and the therapist just holds the stretch instead of continuing to move. You might ask your osteoporosis specialist who is treating you if you can do this. I know it is so easy to cause a spine compression fracture with severe osteoporosis because my mom did that by doing nothing.

MFR is a gentle stretch. Your doctor may not be familiar with it. You may want to find an MFR provider, pose the question to them, and then you can ask your doctor. Your doctor may be able to talk to the therapist to clear this for you to do. You may be able to improve posture, balance and your proper ergonomic body movement, and I would think it would be beneficial, but I'm not a doctor. Since your osteoporosis is severe, you should get clearance from your doctor. You can search for an MFR therapists at this link:
http://mfrtherapists.com/
Jennifer

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Replies to "@bayhorse When I asked my doctor about myself having some osteopenia in the neck of the..."

Thanks much for your good advice and the links. I am sure my doctor knows nothing about MFR. But I have located an MFR practitioner here and will contact her to ask about treating patients with osteoporosis.

Sending you all best regards!

Hi @jenniferhunter

I had a top orthopedic surgeon as a result of being a somewhat decent athlete. When I broke a bone (or 10), it was recommended that I drink a smoothie with fresh bananas, oranges, and yogurt. This helps the bones heal, and then resistance training, when healed. I work very hard to make sure that I strengthen my bones and body's (way too many) weak points. I am doing all of this with the understanding I am fragile.

JFN