Exercise and Osteoporosis and Osteopenia

If you have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia, there’s a high chance your GP mentioned exercise as a management option.

Since the mid 90’s it has been commonly known that exercise is highly beneficial for maintaining and improving bone mineral density. Exercise has been shown to:

  • Slow the rate of loss of bone mineral density
  • Improve balance and coordination
  • Improve strength
  • Decrease risk of falling (and decrease risk of fractures as a result)
  • Decrease pain
  • Improve mental health and sociability

These factors in combination all contribute to our quality of life. Osteoporosis tends to effect one or more of these factors, which takes away from our ability to enjoy life to it’s fullest. By implementing a simple strength and conditioning program to your life 2-3 times per week it can help to restore this quality of life.

An exercise physiologist is tertiary educated to effectively prescribe exercise for osteoporosis and osteopenia. They work in with your GP and any other health professionals to ensure a holistic approach to your bone health, to ultimately provide you the best possible outcome.

If you would like to know more about this topic, please contact our clinical and have a chat with one of our exercise physiologists.