Osteoporosis and osteopenia are both conditions that affect the strength and density of your bones.

Osteopenia means your bones are weaker than normal, but not weak enough to be classified as osteoporosis. Think of it as a warning sign — an opportunity to take proactive steps to protect your bone health before it progresses.

Osteoporosis is a more advanced stage where bones have become more porous and fragile, increasing the risk of fractures, especially in the hips, spine, and wrists.

At Breath For Dry Bones Physical Therapy and Wellness, we focus on empowering you with personalized movement, breathwork, and lifestyle strategies to strengthen your bones, improve balance, and reduce fall risk — whether you're working to prevent osteoporosis or already managing it

What are the risk factors for osteoporosis and osteopenia?
Several factors can increase your risk for developing osteopenia or osteoporosis. Some you can’t control, and others you can take steps to improve. Common risk factors include:

• Age – Bone density naturally decreases as we get older.
• Gender – Women are at higher risk, especially after menopause.
• Family history – A history of osteoporosis in your family can raise your risk.
• Body frame size – Smaller, thinner individuals tend to have a higher risk.
• Hormone levels – Low estrogen in women or low testosterone in men can weaken bones.
• Dietary factors – A diet low in calcium, vitamin D, or protein can affect bone health.
• Lack of physical activity – Especially weight-bearing and balance exercises.
• Certain medical conditions and medications – Including thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, or long-term use of corticosteroids.
• Smoking and excessive alcohol use – Both can interfere with bone building and repair.

The good news is that many of these risk factors can be managed with the right guidance, movement, and support — which is exactly what we offer here at Breath For Dry Bones.

While both use thin needles, dry needling is based on western medicine using anatomy and neurophysiology. It's focused on treating muscular pain, dysfunction, and scar or fascial tightness. Acupuncture, on the other hand, is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and follows meridian energy pathways.

1. Dry needling can be effective for:

• Chronic muscle tightness
• Joint pain
• Headaches
• Tendonitis
• Sciatica
• Neck and back pain
• Postural issues
• Sports injuries

At Breath For Dry Bones, we often integrate it as part of a holistic treatment plan to support healing from the inside out.

Most people feel little to no pain during the procedure. You might feel a twitch, ache, or pressure in the muscle — this is actually a good sign that the needle hit a trigger point. Some soreness afterward is normal and usually fades quickly.

Yes — when performed by a trained and licensed physical therapist, dry needling is very safe. We use clean, sterile, single-use needles and follow all safety guidelines to ensure your comfort and well-being.

The number of sessions depends on your condition and how your body responds. Some people feel relief after one session, while others may need a few to experience full benefits. We'll always tailor your care plan to you.