Exercise for Osteoporosis Management

Leonard Hazelwood here, Clinical Exercise Physiologist.

Osteoporosis is a common condition among older people, particularly women. It can often go undiagnosed until a minimal trauma fracture occurs, as it has no obvious symptoms. Minimal trauma fractures are relatively common in people aged 50 and over. It is estimated that, for Australians aged 50 and over, 1 in 4 men and 2 in 5 women will experience a minimal trauma fracture in the future. 

One of the lowest hanging fruits for people with osteoporosis, osteopenia or who have a higher risk of developing either of these two conditions is exercise. Exercise, especially strength training, impactful activities and balance training has a profound effect on reducing bone loss, improving bone mass, improving balance and coordination, reducing risk of falls and fractures and much more. 

However, it is understandable that there is some hesitancy towards exercise for people that have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. What if they make things worse? This is where it is important to be emphasising progressive overload, graded exposure and minimising the risk of falling with exercise selection. 

When working with a clinical exercise physiologist, people are in the best-qualified hands in Australia when it comes to exercise. We understand that just like medications require a particular type, dosage and frequency - so does exercise. 

If you are having trouble with establishing an exercise regime, this is where we come in. We have a 3-step process. First, we sit down to have a chat to better understand you, your current situation and your goals better. Second, we go through an initial assessment. This gives us baseline, objective data on things like your current mobility, strength, balance and tells us where you're currently at. Last, we design the perfect exercise plan, individualised just for you.

If you have osteoporosis and would benefit from the care, understanding and practical application of an Clinical Exercise Physiologist, feel free to reach to our team at Adapt Movement Physiology on 0484 635 215.