Osteoporosis: How Physiotherapy Can Keep You Strong & Independent
Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them more fragile and more likely to break—most commonly from a trip or minor fall. It’s a common issue, affecting one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50. Women are more at risk, especially after menopause, due to the drop in estrogen, which plays a key role in maintaining bone strength. Men aren’t immune either—while they tend to lose bone mass more slowly, they often aren’t diagnosed until a fracture occurs.
But osteoporosis doesn’t have to mean giving up your independence or worrying about every step you take. One of the most effective ways to slow bone loss and even improve your bone strength is through weight-bearing and resistance-based exercise.
At Move Physiotherapy, we specialize in safe and effective programs designed specifically to help improve bone density, balance, and strength, reducing your risk of fractures and keeping you active for longer.
Why Strength Training Is Priority #1
When it comes to osteoporosis and osteopenia, people are often told to take calcium, vitamin D supplements, or even medications like Prolia to slow bone loss. While these treatments can help maintain bone density, they don’t actively build stronger bones the way strength training does.
Vitamin D is important because it helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for bone health. However, taking vitamin D alone doesn’t stimulate new bone growth—it simply ensures that the calcium you consume is better used. Medications like Prolia (denosumab) can slow down bone loss by preventing the breakdown of bone tissue, but they don’t necessarily make bones stronger or more resilient against fractures.
Strength training, on the other hand, directly stimulates bone growth. When muscles pull on bones during resistance exercises, it signals the body to reinforce those bones, making them denser and stronger over time. Research shows that progressive strength training can increase bone mineral density by 1–3% per year, which is significant when compared to medications that mostly slow the rate of loss rather than rebuild bone. Additionally, exercise improves muscle strength, coordination, and balance, which helps reduce the risk of falls and fractures—something supplements and medications simply can’t do.
The Move Physiotherapy Difference
Not all exercise is created equal, and when it comes to osteoporosis and bone health, a targeted strength training program is essential. Many people don’t know where to start or worry about doing exercises incorrectly, which can increase the risk of injury. That’s where Move Physiotherapy comes in.
At Move Physiotherapy, we create individualized programs based on your specific needs, medical history, and fitness level. Our team of expert physiotherapists guides you through safe, effective exercises that are backed by science to improve bone density, balance, and strength. We don’t just hand you a generic program—we tailor every movement to ensure it’s both safe and effective for your condition.
Unlike a standard gym program or general exercise class, our approach is supervised, progressive, and designed with your bone health in mind. We teach proper technique, adjust exercises based on your progress, and ensure you’re gaining strength without increasing your risk of injury. Whether you’re new to exercise or looking for expert guidance, Move Physiotherapy is the best place to safely and effectively improve your bone health.
