Movement in osteoporosis very important

Radon heat therapy can relieve pain in osteoporosis and stimulate bone buildup

05/14/2012

Osteoporosis is considered the most common disease of the skeleton and affects about eight million people in Germany and Austria alone. Particularly treacherous: the so-called bone loss often develops unnoticed. Severe low back pain - often accompanied by fractures that occur for no apparent reason and under minimal stress - usually indicates an advanced stage. Many sufferers dare then even the smallest movements and no longer live in constant fear of falling. With fatal consequences: For example, a moderate sports program contributes to the important muscle building. Strong muscles in turn support diseased bones and protect against the dreaded fractures. Pain relievers are usually not the first choice because of their side effects in order to alleviate pain and thus enable movement. An alternative is the so-called Radonwärmetherapie, which relieves pain in a natural way and has a positive effect on the bone structure.

New studies confirm the radon heat therapy soothing effect in osteoporotic pain. Its therapeutic effects are based on a combination of three factors: heat, high humidity and radon. „Radon releases mild alpha rays in the body, which stimulate the body's own cell repair mechanisms and significantly reduce the activity of inflammatory cells and painkillers“, explains PD Bertram Hölzl, radon expert and medical director of the Gasteiner Heilstollen. This pain-relieving effect is intensified by the climate in which radon therapy takes place. Temperatures over 37.5 degrees and high humidity over 70 percent lead to the so-called hyperthermia effect, a desired therapeutic fever. This stimulates blood circulation and relaxes painful muscles. Patients also report that their mobility, posture, and coordination improve radon heat therapy over the long term and diminish functional limitations. „In osteoporosis patients, the analgesic effect lasts on average for about 9 months“, knows Dr. Hölzl from the accompanying scientific investigations. „In addition, radon heat therapy has been shown to activate an endogenous substance that we know to positively affect bone metabolism in osteoporosis.“ While these effects do not cure the disease, they do tend to progress rapidly. Health insurance companies often take about 90 percent of the therapy costs.

These effects allow osteoporosis patients to reclaim the major exercise programs. Consistent gymnastics, fall prophylaxis and mild sport therapy for gentle muscle building improve long-term mobility and coordination skills and reduce functional limitations. Not infrequently patients thereby escape even surgical interventions such as joint replacement. (Pm)