Bone Health 101
Bone Health: A Lifelong Priority
Bone health is often overlooked until a fracture or osteoporosis diagnosis occurs, but we should be mindful of it at every age. Strong bones are built during childhood and adolescence, but certain factors can impair this process, leading to issues later in life. For instance, young athletes who fail to meet their nutritional needs—particularly inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake—risk weakened bones. Similarly, eating disorders like anorexia can deprive the body of essential nutrients, slowing bone development. Menstruation also plays a role in bone health; girls and women with irregular or absent periods, often due to low energy availability, may experience lower bone density, putting them at higher risk for stress fractures and future bone problems.
Beyond nutrition and lifestyle, certain health conditions and medications can impact bone health at any age. Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to bone loss due to inflammation and medications such as corticosteroids, which weaken bones over time. Even young people on long-term medications, such as those for asthma or epilepsy, may experience reduced bone density if preventative steps aren’t taken.
At Integrative Physio, we take bone health seriously at all stages of life. Our team of physiotherapists is specially trained in bone health, including BoneFit™ certification, to help you take proactive steps to maintain strong bones. Tools like OsteoSound technology allow us to assess bone health early and provide personalized recommendations to improve or maintain bone strength. Bone health isn’t just something to think about after a diagnosis; it’s something we can optimize from a young age. Let us help you build and maintain a strong foundation for lifelong mobility and health.
Pilates for Bone Strength
Good bone health is important for staying strong and preventing conditions like osteoporosis. Pilates is a great way to keep your bones healthy and avoid osteoporosis because it focuses on gentle movements that strengthen your core and bones without putting too much stress on your joints. Pilates is gentle and effective for building bone strength, unlike running or jumping, which can be hard on fragile bones.
Pilates work for multiple muscle groups at once, which:
helps improve balance,
coordination, and
flexibility while also making bones stronger.
Pilates exercises can be adjusted to fit different fitness levels and can be done by anyone, regardless of age or experience.
By doing Pilates regularly, you can make your bones stronger, reduce the risk of fractures, and improve your overall fitness.