Building Better Bone Health with Siskin Outpatient Therapy

Faith Rose, PT, DPT

Osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones porous, weak, and brittle, affects millions of adults, often progressing quietly until a fracture occurs. At Siskin Hospital and Siskin Outpatient Therapy, our team of physical therapists take a proactive approach through helping patients strengthen their bones, improve balance, and stay active and independent.

Daily Habits That Make a Difference

Strong bones start with small, consistent choices. Faith Rose, PT, DPT, our current geriatric physical therapy resident, recommends incorporating essential nutrients like vitamin D, K, and calcium through diet and supplements (with physician approval), limiting smoking and alcohol, and spending short, regular periods in the sun to support natural vitamin D production.

Exercise remains one of the most powerful tools. Moderate to high-impact activities and resistance training, ideally two to three times per week, help stimulate bone growth and slow bone loss. Many patients begin with manageable weights and progress safely with guidance from a physical therapist.

Patients are also encouraged to not only ask their physicians for a bone density scan, but also for a preventative physical therapy referral to better asses their likelihood for a fall.

Why Exercise is One of the Most Effective Tools Against Osteoporosis

Loading your spine with weight, a term called “axial loading,” causes bone to become denser, which in turn, will make your bones more resilient to stress, resulting in decreased risk of fracture or broken bones if a fall or adverse event occurred.

Faith also explains that resistance exercise, or weightlifting, is an important component of health, not only to reduce the effects of age-related muscle loss, but also to strengthen bones!

“A common term physical therapists use is “form follows function,” meaning that bones adapt to the demands that are place on them,” said Faith.

Balance exercises are all an essential part of every osteoporosis treatment plan, reducing a person’s fall risk. Activities like tai chi or yoga are great ways to build balance, while releasing stress.

How Physical Therapy Supports Bone Strength

At Siskin Outpatient Therapy, every patient begins with a thorough assessment to understand their strengths, challenges and goals. Each patient receives a tailored, individualized plan that typically includes:

·         Fall risk screening

·         Exercise history review

·         Strength, mobility, and functional testing

·         A progressive resistance training program

·         Ongoing guidance from your physical therapist

This structured approach helps patients build stronger bones, improve balance, and feel more secure in daily activities.

Common Misconceptions

Many people believe walking is enough to improve bone density, but because it’s low impact, it should supplement, not replace, resistance training. Another misconception is that women shouldn’t lift heavy weights; in reality, progressive strength training is one of the best ways for women to reduce their risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. And most importantly: it is never too late to begin strengthening your bones.

Take Charge of Your Bone Health

If you’re concerned about osteoporosis or want expert guidance on building stronger bones, Siskin Outpatient Therapy is here to help.

Schedule a bone health or fall-risk assessment with our team today. Call 423-634-1720 or email outpatient@siskinrehab.org/