Arguments and Debates about Physical Therapies for Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) are primary bone and joint diseases affecting the quality of life of old people. The two diseases are different in pathogenesis but are closely associated from each other. Recent clinical guidelines have recommended physical therapies for OA and OP, which have attracted attentions and debates. This is because there is a lack of quality research into this topic. The available studies have used different measurements, and many have not been able to obtain evidence from human research apart from animal experiments. There is a need to undertake both animal and human studies with a stringent design so that the clinical efficacy and mechanism of physical therapy as well as its safety for OA and OP can be explored. We also need to pay attention to the interactions between various physical factors in order to find the best solutions in physical therapies for OA and OP.