Is exercise safe for people with osteoporosis, osteopenia, or low bone density?

People with osteoporosis or osteopenia can be reassured that they can safely participate in most exercise programs and can safely do many unstructured physical activities. However, as expected with participation in physical activity and exercise, minor adverse events like muscle aches or strains may occur. Falls or fractures during supervised exercise are much less common. We want people with bone health concerns to think “exercise will help reduce my fracture risk” not “exercise will cause me to have a fracture”.

 You may have been told in the past by other medical providers or family members “no bending, lifting, or twisting”, and think that exercise will contradict these statements. It would be reasonable to hear that recommendation and think “I can’t exercise” or “it’s not safe for me to exercise.” While we want everybody to move safely and reduce fracture risk, we believe statements like “no bending, lifting, or twisting” are not specific and may be harmful if they cause individuals with osteoporosis to participate in less physical activity or exercise, or become more fearful of movement. More appropriate guidelines for movement should be placing an emphasis on safe movement patterns and strategies to stabilize the spine while avoiding rapid, repetitive, weighted, end-range flexion or rotation of the spine.