Exercise is Important in the Treatment of Osteoporosis

Dozens of studies have shown that weight bearing and resistive exercises are key in building bone. Participating in a regular exercise regime is definitely the right step in improving your bone health.

Unlike medications, there are no negative side effects to exercise. Properly prescribed, exercise delivers the following benefits:

• Improved bone quality and density.
• Fat loss.
• Muscle gain.
• Improved balance.
• Increased confidence.
• Reduction in falls.

Since the majority of fractures are fall related, a reduction in your chance of a fall, in turn, reduces your risk of sustaining a fracture.

Selecting the Right Exercise is Very Important!

However, the wrong exercises can lead to fractures. It is important to be aware that not all exercises promote healthy body structure. When you work with me you will learn what exercises you should do and what exercises need to be modified.

The program I will develop for you will follow all the principles proven to build bone and reduce your risk of a fall. Your customized program will take into account the physical factors that are placing you at greatest risk for a fracture.

The Right Health Care Professional is Critical to Your Success

Selecting the right health care professional is the single most important determinant on the effectiveness and safety of your exercise program.

You want to have a qualified partner at your side who has the right medical training, possesses a deep knowledge of osteoporosis and has helped a wide variety of clients achieve their bone health goals.

I am a health care professional with over 25 years of experience helping clients achieve their health and fitness goals. I have the following professional designations:

• Registered Physiotherapist in Ontario.
• Licensed Physical Therapist in California.
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

I have treated many clients like you at Function to Fitness, my Physiotherapy and Personal Training studio in Ottawa.

I am also is the owner of MelioGuide.com - the leading online provider of exercise programs for people with osteopenia and osteoporosis who want to improve their bone density. The Exercise for Better Bones Program available on MelioGuide.com have been used by thousands of clients and health care professionals around the world.

I also offer a monthly osteoporosis exercise and education seminar in Ottawa called Stop the Stoop. This is a great way to find out about new strategies for preventing and treating osteoporosis.

In addition to attending to clients offline at Function to Fitness and online at MelioGuide.com, I train my fellow health care professionals on the treatment and management of osteoporosis and osteopenia.

From 2008 to 2010, I trained over 500 Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Kinesiologists and other health care professionals across Canada and the United States on safe and effective treatment and exercise programs for clients with osteoporosis and osteopenia.

The Right Exercise Program for Your Osteoporosis

I will use my medical experience and Personal Training expertise to assess your specific medical situation.

During your assessment I will review your:

• Medical history.
• Nutrition profile.
• Medications.
• Family history.
• DEXA tests (if available).
• Past and current activity level.
• Goals to determine the exercise program right for your osteoporosis.

Your exercise program for osteoporosis will include the right mix of exercises to help you challenge and strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of fracture.

Depending on your specific needs, your program will include exercises to improve your:

• Balance.
• Flexibility.
• Posture.
• Strength.
• Cardiovascular conditioning.

Your exercise program will build at a pace that is comfortable to you.

I will also coach you on the proper way to do your daily activities (very important!).

In the end, you will walk away confident and strong knowing that you have the right exercise and education program to manage your osteoporosis.

Education is Key to Treating Osteoporosis

Studies have shown that people are more successful with an exercise program for osteoporosis when the exercise program is accompanied with education. I have seen this work over and over again with my clients.

When you work with me, you will have your full one hour session with me - my attention is committed to you that whole time period.

I will not only instruct you on how to follow your exercises, I will coach you on many aspects of living with osteoporosis that will be a very important part of your ongoing strategy.

Have Other People Benefited From An Exercise Program for Osteoporosis?

I asked a number of my clients to share their stories with you. I think you should read them to see what each person achieved. I will let my clients speak for themselves.

When is the Best Time to Start?

Now!

The sooner you start a comprehensive exercise program, the sooner your bones get will start to get stronger and the sooner you will experience an improvement in your balance. Your risk of fracture from a fall will be reduced and you will be able to maintain (or regain) your independence. And, of course, you will feel better!