The Link Between Osteoporosis and Exercise

Originally Published Nov 18, 2020

It’s Exercise Right for Doctors Week! We want to spread the simple message that Movement is Medicine: exercise is the best, cheapest, and most accessible medicine available and it can improve chronic disease mortality rates, not to mention quality of life. As an Exercise Physiologist, I’m so passionate about getting the message out about the link between Osteoporosis and Exercise.

Sutherland Physio Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition of low bone mass, that leads to increased risk of fractures and reduced quality of life, particularly in ageing populations. 66% of Australians over 50 years old have low or very low bone mass; and usually they don’t find out until they suffer a fracture! Unfortunately, fewer than 50% of people who suffer a hip fracture regain their previous functional level.

BUT the good news: by beginning, increasing, or varying your exercise loading, bone density can adapt! An Exercise Physiologist would consider prescribing a mix of weight-bearing exercise, resistance training, and balance training. The key to being effective in the long term is to make sure it’s done in a supervised way by trained experts. To understand why, here is all you need to know about the role of an Exercise Physiologist. Remember: Use it or lose it!

The below fact sheet has been prepared by Exercise is Medicine Australia in partnership with the network for Accredited Exercise Physiologists, ESSA.
 

Sutherland Physio Osteoporosis Exercises

For more information, my colleague has collected some great exercises together in this article about exercising with osteoporosis.

Please get in touch for more advice, whether you are a doctor who wants to prescribe exercise as medicine, or if you want a professional to design, guide and supervise your exercise regime to prevent, manage and treat bone density issues.

 

Disclaimer

The information provided on this blog is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.

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