Exercise and Osteopoenia

Question:

I have some advice to give and some to ask!
Firstly, anyone who is underweight and exercising: BEWARE! OSTEOPOROSIS is a condition that is becoming more commonly diagnosed in athletes. if you have suffered from a stress fracture and have a family history of osteoporosis , I recommend you see your GP and discuss referral for a bone scan. The physicians are more understanding of this condition now in young people. It is VITAL it is diagnosed and treatment commenced. All is not doom and gloom, I have had treatment for osteoporosis and am pleased to say that my bone density is continuing to increase. I have a DEXA scan every 2yrs. I have been given the ‘OK’ to run one marathon a year.

My lower lumbar vertebrae and my hips are osteopoenic. What type of exercise should I be doing? Would I benefit from a weights programme?

Regards

Jane

Answer:

Dear Jane,

Light to moderate impact exercise such as walking or jogging is the best way of helping to maintain your bone density.

Low level weight training is also recommended.

Kind regards

Angela Benjamin MSc MCSP
Chartered Physiotherapist