Start low, go slow - keep those two maxims in mind and you’ll do fine.
Why exercise? Because it’s good for your bones!
Regular and strenuous exercise helps children and teenagers increase their bone strength. If you’re older, you can prevent bone loss with some types of exercise. Frequent physical activity can also help your balance and coordination. You may be less likely to fall, which can arguably affect your susceptibility to fracture.
Precautions
Low bone mass, osteoporosis or a history of bone breakage from minor events or simple tasks means you must be careful when attempting exercise. The first step is to ask your doctor for a comprehensive fracture risk assessment. This will help you determine the specific exercises you can perform safely, and the ones you avoid.
Your doctor and physiotherapist can design a custom exercise program that takes into account the precautions you should observe. A comprehensive fracture risk assessment can include blood tests or a bone mineral density (BMD) test. A doctor will ask about your medical history asking you questions about your medical history and your family’s. Your doctor may order a spine X-ray; a majority of spine fractures are ‘silent’, causing no noticeable pain.
If You Have Osteoporosis
A prior spine fracture from osteoporosis puts you at high risk for another fracture. You’d do best to avoid high impact exercises or sporting activities with forward bending, heavy lifting, reaching overhead, twisting, jumping, bouncing or suddenly jerking about.
Types Of Exercise
Getting Started Getting Fit
Start low, go slow - keep those two maxims in mind and you’ll do fine. Focus on exercises that are reasonable and appropriate for your fitness level and abilities. As you improve, you can try new and more challenging activities.
Always modify exercises if you are at any risk of fracture (and especially if you have a spine fracture).
Your doctor and physiotherapist can help you design a program that includes the following:
*Osteoporosis Canada
Reference
14. https://www.caltrate.ca. Accessed 05/12/2014