The Building Blocks of Bone Health – And How to Protect Yours

Myth 1: “Physiotherapy is only for when you’re injured”

Fact: Prevention is better than cure. Your physiotherapist can form an exercise program (with you) to address any deficiencies and provide an appropriate strengthening program for maintaining and improving bone health, thereby potentially increasing bone density and reducing the risk of fractures.

Myth 2: “If I have osteoporosis, I should avoid lifting weights”

Fact: Osteoporosis is a condition that, unfortunately, affects many people, particularly in the latter part of their lives. It arises from our cells that break down old bone (osteoclasts) being more active than cells that form new bone (osteoblasts). Your physiotherapist can provide an appropriate resisted exercise program, such as lifting weights, which can stimulate more cells to lay new bone, improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.

Myth 3: “Joint pain is just wear and tear I have to live with”

Fact: There is an old adage in the physiotherapy profession that “motion is lotion”. Movement helps lubricate joints, so for arthritic joints, movement is exactly what they need. Your physiotherapist can form a specific tailored program for your muscles, joints and tendons to help with mobility, strength and stability.

Myth 4: “Calcium supplements are enough to keep bones strong”

Fact: Calcium supplements and/or foods which are calcium rich will definitely help with bone density and health, but unfortunately these alone are usually not enough if diagnosed with osteoporosis. We also need mechanical loading and/or resisted exercise which your physiotherapist can advise you about. Our bodies also need vitamin D which helps the body absorb calcium.

Myth 5: “Fragile bones mean you should stop exercising”

Fact: Mechanical loading and resisted exercise improve bone density and help reduce the effects of bone conditions such as osteoporosis. Your physiotherapist can implement a tailored program to address your needs. This usually involves strengthening, falls prevention and stability exercises to reduce the risk of falls and fractures.

We’ve got your back

Ready to take the next step for your bone health? We have over 60 participating physiotherapists across South Australia, from McLaren Vale to Nurioopta, making it easy to find expert care close to home.

Get more back for your health

• Check your cover: Call us on 1300 113 113 to see how your extras can help with physio visits or check your limits and benefits on the Health Partners app. See Health Partners | Your new digital experience is here for more info.
• Local providers: Visit healthpartners.com.au/provider-search to find a participating physiotherapist in your local area.
• Stay strong: Our members save on classes and memberships at SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Aleenta Health Clubs, Goodlife Health Clubs and EFM Health Clubs to help keep those bones (and bodies) active and healthy.

Health Partners doesn’t cover any consultation fees that may be associated with the services mentioned in this article. The information contained here is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal medical situation. The information is not a substitute for independent professional medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or used for therapeutic purposes. Should you require specific medical information, please seek advice from your healthcare practitioner. Health Partners does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided. While we have prepared the information carefully, we can't guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren't specifically endorsing them and can't accept responsibility for them.