Exercise programmes for osteoporosis
Specialist advice on safe activity, strengthening, balance and movement strategies for people with osteoporosis, low bone density or increased fracture risk.
Exercise can be very helpful for bone health, muscle strength and balance, but it should be matched to your fracture risk, symptoms and previous injuries.
Why exercise matters in osteoporosis
Appropriate exercise can support bone strength, muscle function, balance, posture and confidence. It can also help reduce falls risk, which is an important part of fracture prevention.
Exercise should be personalised
The right exercise plan depends on your bone density, fracture history, strength, balance, pain, mobility and any previous spine, hip or other fragility fractures.
Supporting safe movement
Professor Keen can advise on safe activity principles and, where appropriate, coordinate with physiotherapy or rehabilitation teams for more detailed exercise planning.
When specialist exercise advice may be useful
Many patients are told to exercise for osteoporosis, but are not always told what is safe, what to avoid and how to build confidence gradually.
Common reasons for advice
- New diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia
- Previous spine, hip or wrist fracture
- Fear of movement after a fracture
- Reduced balance, strength or confidence
- Uncertainty about gym, Pilates, yoga or resistance training
Areas that may be reviewed
- Fracture risk and previous injuries
- Safe strengthening and resistance exercise
- Balance and falls prevention
- Posture and spine protection
- Activity progression and realistic goals
What the consultation may include
The aim is to understand your fracture risk and physical confidence, then provide safe, practical advice that supports long-term bone health.
DEXA results, fracture history, medication and risk factors are reviewed.
Your current activity, strength, balance, pain and movement confidence are discussed.
Advice is tailored around safe loading, spine protection and avoiding unnecessary fracture risk.
You receive guidance on activity, strengthening, balance support and onward referral where needed.
What may be included in the plan
Exercise advice is tailored to the individual. The aim is to support safe activity, build confidence and reduce future fracture risk.
Strength and bone health
- Weight-bearing activity where appropriate
- Resistance and strengthening principles
- Safe progression after fracture or diagnosis
- Posture and spine protection advice
- Coordination with physiotherapy where useful
Balance and confidence
- Balance and falls prevention strategies
- Mobility and confidence-building advice
- Review of activities that may increase risk
- Guidance around returning to exercise
- Long-term activity habits for bone health
Osteoporosis exercise questions
Common questions about safe activity, strengthening and exercise planning for osteoporosis.
Is exercise safe if I have osteoporosis?
Often, yes. Exercise can be very helpful, but the safest type of activity depends on your fracture risk, previous fractures, strength and balance.
Should I avoid bending or twisting?
Some patients, particularly those with spine fractures or high fracture risk, may need advice on spine protection and safer movement patterns.
Can exercise improve bone density?
Exercise can support bone and muscle health, although its effect depends on the type of exercise, consistency, age, risk factors and whether medication is also needed.
Do I need physiotherapy?
Some patients benefit from physiotherapy, especially after fracture, reduced confidence, balance problems or where a structured strengthening plan is needed.
Book an osteoporosis exercise advice consultation
If you have osteoporosis, low bone density or concerns about safe activity after fracture, please contact the office to arrange a specialist consultation.
Contact details
For private appointments and general enquiries, please contact Professor Keen's office.