Exercise Physiology for Osteoporosis
Exercise physiology for osteoporosis at MTP Health helps people with low bone density build strength, improve balance and move with more confidence. Our accredited exercise physiologists work with adults across Sydney's North Shore and Northern Beaches who have osteoporosis, osteopenia or a history of fracture.
We assess where you are starting from, then guide you through supervised, progressive training designed around your bone health, fracture history and goals. You may have been told to be careful with exercise. Our role is to help you train safely, rather than avoid movement altogether.
Who We Help
Our exercise physiologists often see people who:
- Have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia after a bone density (DEXA) scan
- Have had a fracture from a minor fall or bump and have been cleared to build strength
- Are taking bone medication and want exercise to be part of their plan
- Have risk factors such as menopause, a family history, long-term steroid use or low body weight
- Feel nervous about lifting or falling and have started doing less
Osteoporosis affects men as well as women, and bone health is worth prioritising at any age. If your fracture is recent, your treating doctor or our physiotherapy team will usually guide the early stage of recovery first.
What Exercise Physiology for Osteoporosis Involves
Bone responds to load. Research supports training that is progressive, challenging and consistent, which is why close supervision matters when bones are fragile.
Depending on your assessment, your program may include:
- Progressive resistance training, such as squats, deadlifts and presses, taught with careful technique and built up gradually
- Impact training, such as controlled jumps, drops or step work, introduced only when it is appropriate for you
- Balance and reaction training to help lower your risk of falls
- Back extensor and posture exercises to support your spine
- Practice with everyday movements like lifting shopping, bending and getting up from the floor
We start at your current capacity and progress step by step. Heavier loading is something we work toward together over time.
Your Bone Health Assessment
Your 50-minute initial consultation gives us a clear picture of your bone health and how you move. We typically look at:
- Your DEXA results, medical history, medications and any past fractures
- Your falls history and how confident you feel on your feet
- Simple strength tests, such as rising from a chair
- Balance, walking and posture
- Your goals, from gardening and travel to lifting grandchildren or returning to the gym
Your bone health and how you move
If you have had a vertebral (spinal) fracture or have significant back pain, we adjust exercise choices, for example by limiting heavily loaded forward bending and twisting. Please bring any recent scan reports and a list of your medications.
The Onero Program
Onero program is MTP Health's supervised bone health service for people with osteoporosis and osteopenia. It runs over 12 months and is delivered by our accredited exercise physiologists, combining progressive strength, impact, balance and falls risk reduction exercises.
- Assessment: bone density results, health history, balance and strength
- Onboarding: two 30-minute one-on-one sessions to learn the key movements
- Group classes: small supervised groups twice a week
Progress as you get stronger
If a group is not the right fit, we can work with you one-on-one instead. Your exercise physiologist reviews your progress and adjusts your program as you get stronger.
Working With Your Health Team
Exercise is one part of osteoporosis care. Your GP, endocrinologist or rheumatologist manages your diagnosis, bone density monitoring and medication, and with your consent we can keep them updated.
We may also suggest speaking with your GP or a dietitian about calcium, vitamin D and protein. After a fracture or surgery, we work alongside your physiotherapist or surgeon, so your program fits your stage of recovery.
Because our exercise physiologists, physiotherapists and orthopaedic surgeons work as one team, we can coordinate your care if your needs change.
Funding and Getting Started
You do not need a referral to see an exercise physiologist at MTP Health. Appointments are available face-to-face at St Leonards and Beacon Hill, with online sessions available for some follow-ups.
If you have a chronic condition, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates on some sessions through a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan. Private health insurance may also contribute depending on your cover, and our team can talk you through options before you start.
Related Services
These related services sit alongside osteoporosis and bone health:
Stronger Bones and Steadier Balance
If you have osteoporosis, osteopenia or a past fracture, our exercise physiologists can help you find a safe place to start. No referral is needed.
Book an initial consultation at our St Leonards or Beacon Hill clinic, or contact our team to ask whether Onero suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to lift weights if I have osteoporosis?
For many people, supervised and progressive resistance training can be a safe part of osteoporosis management. Your exercise physiologist first checks your fracture history, spine and balance, then builds load gradually with close attention to technique. We encourage you not to take on heavy lifting on your own without guidance.
Can exercise improve my bone density?
Targeted exercise may help maintain or modestly improve bone density in some people. It can also build muscle strength and balance, which may lower your risk of falls. Bone changes take many months, so your GP will usually track your bone density with repeat scans.
Do I need a DEXA scan before starting?
A recent DEXA scan is helpful because it shows your starting point, but you can book an assessment without one. If you have not had a scan, we may suggest asking your GP whether one is appropriate.
Can I do exercise physiology while taking osteoporosis medication?
Exercise and medication are often used together. Your doctor continues to manage your medication while we focus on strength, balance and safe movement. Let us know what you take so we can factor it into your program.
How is Onero different from a regular gym class?
Onero is supervised by accredited exercise physiologists and designed for people with osteoporosis and osteopenia. It starts with an individual assessment and one-on-one onboarding, and groups are kept small so your technique and progress are monitored closely.