What Do Healthy Bones Do?
Bones are living tissue. They’re strong yet flexible, giving your body structure, helping you move, and protecting vital organs. Throughout life, bones are continuously renewed through a process called remodelling—where old bone is broken down (by cells called osteoclasts) and new bone is rebuilt (by osteoblasts). This ongoing process keeps bones strong and adaptable to your needs.
🧠 Fun fact: The body has 206 bones. The smallest is in your ear, and the largest is your femur (thigh bone).
What Happens in Osteoporosis?
In some people, the remodelling process shifts out of balance. Bone is broken down faster than it’s rebuilt, leading to reduced bone density and quality over time. This is called osteoporosis—a condition where bones become more porous and lose structural strength, making them more likely to fracture. A milder form of low bone density, known as osteopenia, often comes first.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Osteoporosis is diagnosed using a DEXA scan (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry), which measures your bone mineral density. The result is given as a T-score:
- Normal: T-score above -1
- Osteopenia: Between -1 and -2.5
- Osteoporosis: Below -2.5
Your doctor may also consider your fracture risk, medical history, and other risk factors when making a diagnosis.
Who’s at Risk?
Osteoporosis can affect anyone, but it’s most common in:
- Women over 50, especially after menopause
- People with a family history of osteoporosis
- Individuals with low calcium or vitamin D intake
- People with low body weight or sedentary lifestyles
- Long-term use of corticosteroids or certain medical conditions
Why Does It Matter?
Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures—especially in the spine, hip, and wrist—even from minor slips or bumps. These fractures can cause long-term pain, reduced mobility, and loss of independence.
In Australia:
- Over 1 million people have osteoporosis
- In 2021–22, 105,000 people aged 45+ were hospitalised for minimal trauma fractures
- 1 in 4 adults over 45 who sustain a hip fracture won’t survive the following year
- Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisation in older Australians
Can It Be Prevented?
Maintaining bone health starts early and continues throughout life. You can reduce your risk by:
- Engaging in weight-bearing and resistance-based exercise
- Eating a calcium-rich diet and getting safe sun exposure for vitamin D
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol
- Managing conditions or medications that affect bone health
Can It Be Treated?
If you’re diagnosed with osteoporosis, treatment may include:
- Medications that slow bone loss or promote bone formation
- Calcium and vitamin D supplementation
- A supervised strength and balance exercise program
- Regular monitoring via DEXA scans
Early diagnosis and intervention significantly reduce fracture risk.
How Can I Assess My Risk?
You can take a proactive step by completing one or more of these online risk assessments:
📊 Know Your Bones (Australia)
🧮 FRAX Fracture Risk Tool
🧠 Calcium Intake Calculator
How We Can Help at You Move Health & Rehab
Our team of Accredited Exercise Physiologists specialises in helping people with osteopenia and osteoporosis stay strong, mobile, and confident. We provide:
• Individualised strength and balance programs
• Education on osteogenic (bone-building) movement
• Coordination with your GP or specialist
• Long-term support to help you maintain bone health and independence
📞 Ready to take action? Book an initial assessment and get a tailored plan to support your bones for life.