Condition guide
Osteoporosis Physiotherapy: Exercise, Strength and Falls
Osteoporosis means the bones have become less dense and more likely to break, often without any symptoms until a fracture happens. Many people are told they have it after a bone density scan and then feel unsure about what exercise is safe. Osteoporosis physiotherapy focuses on building strength, improving balance, reducing the risk of falls and helping you stay active with confidence. This page is general information rather than a diagnosis, and an assessment is the sensible next step if your symptoms are not settling.
What is Osteoporosis?
Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and rebuilt. With osteoporosis, bone is lost faster than it is replaced, so the bones become thinner and weaker. It is most common after the menopause and in older age, but it can affect men and younger people too, particularly with some medications, medical conditions or a family history. The most common fractures are in the wrist, hip and spine. Spinal fractures can cause back pain, loss of height or a more stooped posture. Osteoporosis is diagnosed and treated medically by your GP or a specialist, and physiotherapy works alongside that care.
Typical Symptoms
- Often no symptoms until a bone breaks
- A fracture after a minor fall or knock, such as the wrist or hip
- Sudden back pain, which can be a sign of a spinal fracture
- Loss of height or a more rounded upper back over time
- Reduced confidence with walking, stairs or getting up from the floor
Common Causes & Triggers
- Hormonal changes after the menopause
- Increasing age
- Long term use of some medicines, such as steroids
- Medical conditions that affect bone or hormones
- A family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture, smoking, heavy drinking or low body weight
How We Treat Osteoporosis at Bluebell
- 1
A conversation about your diagnosis, any fractures, your medication and what you want to be able to do.
- 2
Assessment of strength, balance, walking and how you manage everyday movements such as bending and lifting.
- 3
A progressive strength programme, because muscle strength supports bone health and reduces falls risk.
- 4
Balance training and practice of getting up from the floor, with advice on making home routines safer.
- 5
Guidance on moving and lifting comfortably, posture and returning to activities you enjoy, with referral to your GP for medication reviews or bone health questions.
Honest Recovery Timeline
Osteoporosis is a long term condition, so the aim is to build habits you can keep going. Many people notice changes in strength and balance over a few months of regular exercise. Bone changes are slower and are monitored by your GP. Your physiotherapist will set a pace that suits your health and confidence.
Staying active as you get older
Our page for over 60s explains how physiotherapy supports strength, balance and independence, including home visits. If pain or confidence makes land exercise difficult at first, our hydrotherapy page explains how warm water sessions can be a starting point.
Booking an osteoporosis assessment
Our physiotherapy service explains how assessment and exercise programmes work. Please bring a list of your medicines and any scan results. Appointments are at Warren Road, Blue Bell Hill, Chatham ME5 9RD, with free parking, Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm. You can self-refer online or call 01634 757123.
When Osteoporosis Needs Urgent Medical Attention (Not Physio)
- •Sudden severe back pain after a minor strain, cough or no clear reason, see your GP promptly, as it may be a spinal fracture.
- •Unable to bear weight after a fall, or a shortened, turned out leg, call 999 or go to A and E.
- •Back pain with numbness, weakness in the legs or bladder or bowel changes, go to A and E straight away.
- •Repeated falls or dizziness, see your GP for a review.
Osteoporosis — Common Questions
What does osteoporosis physiotherapy involve?
An assessment of strength, balance and daily movement, followed by a progressive exercise programme, falls prevention advice and guidance on lifting and bending comfortably.
Is exercise safe if I have osteoporosis?
For most people, yes, and it is encouraged. The type and intensity of exercise should suit your health and any past fractures, which is why an assessment helps.
Can physiotherapy reduce my risk of falling?
Strength and balance training is one of the main ways to reduce falls risk. We cannot promise you will never fall, but we can help you feel steadier and more confident.
Is hydrotherapy useful for osteoporosis?
Warm water exercise can help with confidence, movement and pain. Because land based strength work matters for bone, it is usually used alongside exercise on land.
What affects the cost of treatment?
The number of appointments you need is the main factor. Ask the clinic for current fees when you book, and check with your insurer if you have a policy.