Exercise Physiology for Osteoporosis
Bone responds to load. Safe, progressive strength and impact exercise can help maintain bone, and balance training helps prevent the falls that cause fractures. We tailor both to your DXA results, fracture history and life.
✓ No referral needed to book privately✓ Medicare rebates with a GP plan✓ Bring your DXA results
Poor bone health is common, and often silent
Source: Healthy Bones Australia.
What your T-score means for exercise
A DXA scan measures your bone density and compares it with a healthy young adult. Exercise is helpful at every level. The program changes, but the goal stays the same.
A great time to invest in your bones. Peak bone mass is mostly reached by your 30s, so the goal is to keep what you have.
Lower bone density, but not yet osteoporosis. A good time to start progressive loading to help slow further loss.
Exercise is an important part of care alongside any medication. The program needs more care around fracture risk, and we tailor it accordingly.
Two goals, one program
Loading your skeleton to help maintain bone, and building the strength and balance that prevent falls. We work on both in every program.
Progressive strength
Resistance exercise targeting the hip and spine, the sites most vulnerable to fracture, progressed carefully over time.
Impact and weight-bearing
Stepping, heel drops and other impact tasks, matched to your fracture risk.
Balance and falls
Most hip and wrist fractures happen in falls. Balance, stepping and leg strength help prevent them.
Posture
Strengthening the muscles that keep you upright, to help with forward rounding of the upper back.
Safe movement
Which movements to modify, which are safe, and why, for exercise and everyday life.
Home and daily life
Practical tips to reduce falls at home and protect your bones without limiting your life.
Works with your medication
If you're on bone medication, your program is designed to complement it.
Reports to your doctors
Written reports to your GP and specialist after reviews.
Three types of exercise for bone health
Not all exercise loads bone the same way. We use all three, adjusted to your fracture risk and current ability.
The main bone stimulus
Supervised, progressive strength training, often heavier than people expect once built up safely, targeting the hip and spine.
Loading through the ground
Bone responds to the forces of impact. We start with low-impact stepping and build up only as your bones and capacity allow.
Preventing the fall
Standing balance, stepping and reaction practice, plus advice on walking and footwear, to reduce your risk of falling.
Movements to approach with care
With osteoporosis, some movements can increase the risk of spinal fractures, depending on your T-score and fracture history. These include heavy or repeated forward bending of the spine, twisting under load, and impact beyond your current ability. Some yoga and Pilates positions fall into this group.
We'll give you clear guidance on what to modify in exercise and daily life. If you get sudden, severe back pain, stop and see your doctor.
From prevention to recovery after a fracture
What to expect from start to finish
Programs are built around your DXA results, fracture history and current ability, not a generic bone health class.
Initial assessment
Your DXA results, fractures, medications, falls history, balance, posture and strength. Bring your latest DXA report if you have one.
Program design
Strength, impact and balance work matched to your fracture risk, plus guidance on safe movement in daily life.
Supervised progression
We supervise and build load steadily. Bone adapts slowly, so consistency matters.
Reviews and reports
Reports to your GP and specialist. When you have a follow-up DXA, we review it with you and adjust your program.
Ways to fund your osteoporosis program
We'll confirm your out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment, so there are no surprises.
GP chronic condition plan
If your GP is managing your osteoporosis under a chronic condition plan and refers you, Medicare subsidises up to 5 allied health sessions a year.
How Medicare works →Extras cover
Many extras policies include Exercise Physiology. Check your limits and rebate. No referral needed.
How private health works →Veteran Card holders
Gold Card holders are covered for clinically necessary treatment, and White Card holders for accepted conditions. A GP referral is needed.
How DVA works →Support at Home and CHSP
Can fund Exercise Physiology when it's in your care plan. No participant contribution for allied health under Support at Home.
How aged care works →Registered provider
If you're an NDIS participant, Exercise Physiology can be funded where it links to your plan goals.
How NDIS works →Book directly
No referral or GP visit needed. Book online and pay our standard fees.
See our fees →Osteoporosis program FAQs
Is strength training safe if I have osteoporosis?
I haven't had a DXA scan. Can I still start?
I'm on bone medication. Does exercise still help?
I've had a spinal fracture. Is exercise safe?
Can exercise rebuild my bones?
Do I need a referral?
Can I attend by telehealth?
Ready to protect your bones?
Book your first appointment and bring your latest DXA results if you have them.
The information on this page is general and doesn't replace individual advice from your doctor. Exercise complements, and doesn't replace, medication your doctor prescribes. Results vary from person to person.