How Physiotherapy Can Help Manage Osteosarcopenia: A Guide for Home Care Providers
As Australia’s population ages, conditions like osteosarcopenia are becoming increasingly common. For home care providers, understanding this condition and the role physiotherapy plays is essential to improving client care, preventing hospital admissions, and supporting older clients to stay safe and independent at home.
What is Osteosarcopenia?
Osteosarcopenia is the combination of:
Osteoporosis: A loss of bone density, leading to weaker bones.
Sarcopenia: A decline in muscle mass, strength, and function.
This condition may increase the risk of falls, fractures, and functional decline, which can significantly impact an older person’s ability to live independently.
What This Means for Home Care Providers
For many elderly clients, osteosarcopenia can seem like an inevitable part of ageing. However, early intervention with physiotherapy services can make a significant difference:
Prevent Falls and Injuries – Physiotherapy interventions can help to reduce fall risks.
Maintain Independence – Clients can continue performing daily tasks at home.
Improve Quality of Life – Clients gain confidence, mobility, and reduced pain.
Lower Costs – Reducing hospital visits saves time and resources for families and providers.
Home care providers are uniquely positioned to identify clients at risk and connect them with physiotherapy services to achieve these outcomes.
How Physiotherapy Helps Manage Osteosarcopenia
Targeted Exercise Programmes
Physiotherapists design exercise programmes focusing on:
Strength training to rebuild muscle mass and bone density
Balance exercises to reduce the risk of falls
Functional training to improve everyday movements like standing, walking, or climbing stairs.
These exercises are safe, personalised, and delivered in the client’s home.
Falls Prevention Strategies
Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults. Physiotherapists work on:
Assessing fall risk.
Implementing mobility aids and strengthening weak areas.
Training clients in safe movement techniques to reduce fear of falling
Assessing the client's environment for hazards and risks.
Functional Assessments
Regular assessments help track progress in muscle strength, balance, and functional ability. This allows for adjustments to the care plan to meet the client’s changing needs.
Client Education
Physiotherapists provide education on:
The importance of staying active.
Simple ways to strengthen muscles and bones at home.
Preventing lifestyle factors that contribute to osteosarcopenia (e.g., inactivity or poor nutrition) and liaising with other allied health and medical clinicians to improve client outcomes.
The Benefits for Home Care Providers
When home care providers collaborate with physiotherapists, they deliver better client outcomes through:
Early intervention: Prevent falls and hospital admissions before they occur.
Enhanced independence: Clients remain capable of living safely at home for longer.
Cost-effective care: Lower healthcare costs by reducing hospital admissions and associated costs.
Improved satisfaction: Clients and their families experience better quality care.
Taking Action: A Collaborative Approach
Home care providers play a crucial role in recognising the signs of osteosarcopenia, such as muscle weakness, frailty, or frequent falls. By:
Referring clients to physiotherapists early.
Integrating physiotherapy into care plans.
Educating families about its importance.
Providers can ensure their clients receive the support they need to stay safe, active, and independent at home.
Conclusion
Osteosarcopenia doesn’t have to mean the end of independence for elderly Australians. Physiotherapy offers an effective, evidence-based solution to improve muscle strength, bone health, and functional mobility.
For home care providers, understanding this approach means better care, fewer injuries, and greater independence for clients. Collaborating with physiotherapists is a proactive way to support ageing clients on their journey to healthier, safer lives in their home.
Need physiotherapy support for your clients? Our team of physiotherapists specialises in in-home care for elderly Australians. Contact us today to discuss how we can partner with your care team to improve outcomes!
References
Hirschfeld HP, Kinsella R, Duque G. Osteosarcopenia: Where bone, muscle, and fat collide. Osteoporosis International (2017).
Beaudart C, et al. Health outcomes of sarcopenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2014).
Marzuca-Nassr GN, et al. Effects of resistance training on muscle and bone health in older adults. Journal of Aging Research (2020).
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Falls in older Australians 2019–2020: trends and insights.
Jason Horton
Jason Horton is the co-founder and Clinical Services Director of Rehab'd. He is a physiotherapist and exercise physiologist and has a passion for helping people on their journey to better health.