Diagnosed With Osteoporosis? What Does It Mean?
Receiving a new diagnosis can be a stressful and life-changing time. The good news is, osteoporosis is a manageable condition that, with the right approach, can have little impact on your quality of life. Whether you’ve been diagnosed recently, have been dealing with this condition for a while or want to know how to prevent it, having a plan in place is key to maintaining your health and overall well-being.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis, often called the “silent disease,” is a chronic condition that develops gradually over time. It weakens bones, making them more brittle and prone to fractures or breaks (NHS, 2025). While having osteoporosis doesn’t guarantee bone fractures, it significantly increases the risk of one occurring (Royal Osteoporosis Society UK, 2025).
Typically, osteoporosis is diagnosed after a fall or impact leads to a fracture. It can affect any bone, but common areas include the wrists, hips, and spine. While the condition itself doesn’t usually cause pain, a fracture can result in long-lasting pain or discomfort.
The term “osteoporosis” is derived from Greek and Latin, meaning “porous bones.” While bones naturally contain spaces and holes, similar to the texture of a honeycomb, osteoporosis causes these spaces to expand, a sign of reduced bone mineral density and strength. This condition can develop from osteopenia, a related condition characterised by low bone mineral density, though it is less severe than osteoporosis.
Build a plan
Having a diagnosis is just your starting point. It’s crucial to go through the results with your doctor so you understand them and can work out an appropriate and realistic treatment plan together. Ask your doctor about what measures you can take moving forward. This may include regular DEXA scans to check in on your bone health and adjust treatment where necessary.
Depending on your scan results and current lifestyle behaviours, it’s a good idea to ask your GP what other health professionals they may be able to refer you to to assist with your management. This may include a dietician to help optimise your calcium and vitamin D intake, a clinical exercise physiologist to assist with an individualised program to ensure you’re engaging in the right activities for bone health, and many more. Have a think about what lifestyle changes you can make to support your treatment journey. Some examples may include decreasing alcohol consumption and eating more calcium-rich foods.
One of the most effective ways to manage osteoporosis is through varying forms of exercise. Weight-bearing and strength exercises have been found to stimulate bone growth to maintain bone mineral density and, therefore, decrease fracture risk. If you don’t already complete these forms of exercise in your week, now is the time to start. Activities including walking, dancing, jogging and strength exercises with weights are great choices. If needed, you can break this down to smaller bouts and complete it across the week. Ensure to consult with your doctors and exercise physiologist about which exercises are appropriate for you.
Balance training is an important aspect of osteoporosis management. Limited balance increases your fall risk, a factor that is a cause of fractures and breaks. Specific balance exercises, including heel-to-toe walking and single-leg stance, or activities including yoga and Tai Chi, help maintain stability, improve leg strength and therefore confidence.
Stay consistent and proactive
Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that will require ongoing attention. In addition to regular scans, it’s important to stay in contact with your healthcare team to get the best recommendations for you at the current stage of your treatment journey. Find a routine that works for you while also taking into account recommendations from appropriate health professionals.
If you need assistance adding in appropriate exercise to your weekly routine, or need some motivation to do so, reach out to one of our clinical exercise specialists who can assist you with an individualised treatment.
