- 3 min read
Physio for Osteoporosis: Strengthen Bones & Move Confidently
Physio for osteoporosis plays a critical role in improving bone strength, reducing fracture risk, and helping you stay active with confidence. Osteoporosis is often called a “silent condition” because bone loss occurs gradually, often without symptoms until a fracture happens. The good news? Evidence shows that targeted physiotherapy-led exercise can slow bone loss, improve balance, and significantly reduce falls risk.
At Adjust Physiotherapy, we combine clinical expertise with our newly launched Move Strong Program, designed specifically to help people with osteoporosis or low bone density move safely and effectively.
How Physiotherapy Helps with Osteoporosis
Physiotherapy for osteoporosis goes far beyond general exercise. A tailored program ensures the right type, intensity, and progression of movement to stimulate bone while protecting vulnerable areas like the spine and hips.
Key benefits of physio-led osteoporosis management include:
- Improved bone-loading through safe, weight-bearing exercise
- Increased muscle strength to support fragile joints
- Enhanced balance and coordination to reduce falls risk
- Education on posture, lifting, and everyday movement safety
- Confidence to return to activities you enjoy without fear
Learn more about reducing your risk early on our Osteoporosis Prevention Page:
Physiotherapy Exercises for Osteoporosis
Not all exercise is beneficial and some movements may actually increase fracture risk if performed incorrectly.
A physiotherapist will typically prescribe:
- Progressive resistance training (clinically proven to improve bone density)
- Weight-bearing exercises (to assist bone loading & functional patterns)
- Balance & falls prevention training (to reduce falls risk & risk of fracture)
The key takeaway: Osteoporosis-safe exercise must be progressive, supervised, and individualised.
Move Strong Program: Allied Health-Led Classes for Osteoporosis
Our Move Strong Program is a structured, evidence-based exercise program designed by physiotherapists & exercise physiologists for people with osteoporosis, osteopenia, or those at risk of fractures.
Why Move Strong Works
Move Strong isn’t a generic gym class. Each program is built around:
- Slow Resistance Training – shown to improve bone density
- Controlled loading of Hips & Spine – the most commonly ‘at risk’ areas of bone loss
- Close Supervision – for safety and technique
- Gradual Progression – to stimulate muscle & bone adaptation
Research shows that appropriately dosed resistance training is safe and effective, even for those with established osteoporosis.
View full class details here:
Move Strong Classes at Adjust
IS PHYSIO SAFE IF YOU ALREADY HAVE OSTEOPOROSIS?
Yes – when guided by a qualified physiotherapist or exercise physiologist.
In fact, avoiding exercise often increases fracture risk. Studies consistently show that supervised strength and balance training reduces falls and improves bone health without increasing injury risk.
If you’re unsure where to start, a physiotherapy assessment ensures your program is safe, targeted, and effective.
The key takeaway: the risk lies in doing the wrong exercises – not in exercising itself.
EVIDENCE SUPPORTING PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR OSTEOPOROSIS
The approach used in allied health (and within our Move Strong Program) is backed by high-quality research & organisational recommendation:
1. LIFTMOR Trial
High-intensity resistance and impact training improved bone density and physical function in post-menopausal women
See full article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28975661/
2. International Osteoporosis Foundation
Recommends resistance and balance training to reduce fracture risk
See full article here: https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/health-professionals/prevention/exercise
3. Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
Supports progressive resistance training for osteoporosis management
See full article here: https://www.essa.org.au/web/Web/Resources/Publications/Position-statement-exercise-osteoporosis.aspx
SUPPORTING YOUR BONE HEALTH LONG TERM
Physio for osteoporosis works best as part of a broader plan that includes:
- Nutrition and calcium/vitamin D guidance
- Medication management in consultation with your GP
- Long-term strength progression
- Regular reassessment as bone health changes
Explore more education and tools in our
START PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR OSTEOPOROSIS AT ADJUST
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, managing osteopenia, or recovering from a fracture, our team can help you move stronger, safer, and with confidence.
Book online or contact Adjust Health to get started with physiotherapy or the Move Strong Program.