BONE HEALTH CLINIC
The Bone Health Epidemic: Why is it important?
Our bone skeleton is a remarkable organ that serves both a structural function – providing mobility, function and protection of the body – and a reservoir function to store essential nutrients. As we age, we lose the ability to regenerate bones quickly, making them weaker, more fragile and at risk of becoming osteopenic and osteoporotic. If not treated, this condition can progress painlessly until, a bone fractures. In fact, an estimated 3.2 million people in the UK suffer from osteoporosis. One in 3 women over 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures as will 1 in 5 men. Alarmingly, 60% of those who fracture a hip over the age of 60 do not survive beyond a year. By prioritising our bone health, we can reduce the risk of fractures, prevent osteoporosis and other bone diseases, enhance mobility and independence, and improve our overall functions and well-being.
Our Approach to Optimising Bone Health
As we know bone mineral density drops by 1-2% every year after reaching its peak lifetime bone mass around the age of 30, it is critical to address the modifiable factors that contribute to our bone health. We are here to support you on all fronts with our specialist care.
1. Nutrition: We provide guidance on a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients. Foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods can help maintain bone health.
2. Exercise: We promote weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and tailored resistance training, essential for maintaining and improving bone density.
3. Lifestyle Modification: Our programs include support for avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which can significantly improve bone health.
4. Medical Interventions: For those at high risk, we will involve a Specialist in the field to identify if you need more medical support with medication or supplements.
What is EchoLight REMS?
EchoLight REMS (Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry) is an advanced diagnostic tool used to identify individuals at risk of bone-related conditions.
It uses non-invasive ultrasound technology to scan and provide precise measurements of bone density and quality (T-score and Z-score).
This enables our team to detect early signs of osteoporosis and other bone health issues, allowing for early intervention before significant bone deterioration occurs, thereby enabling timely preventive measures.
It is painless, radiation-free and provides reliable results within minutes, allowing for immediate discussion and treatment planning.
How does BioDensity V5 Machine treat bone health?
One of the most promising advancements in bone health technology at Mayfair Health is the BioDensity V5 machine. Following detection with our EchoLight, this innovative device offers a non-pharmacological approach to improving bone density through high-impact resistance training. Here’s how it works:
1. High-Intensity Load: By applying Wolff’s Law, the BioDensity V5 machine allows users to perform specific exercises that apply a high-intensity load to the bones, stimulating the body’s natural process of bone regeneration.
2. Safe and Controlled Environment: The BioDensity V5 machine provides an osteogenic load into our upper body and lower body through 4 movement patterns. The intensity of the isometric load can be precisely adjusted to match the user’s capabilities and needs, meaning that the process is very safe for the user.
3. Short Sessions: Sessions often lasting less than 10 minutes, making it a time-efficient way to enhance bone density.
4. Real-time Feedback: The machine offers real-time feedback and tracks progress over time, allowing you to monitor improvements in bone density.
Who is this service suitable for?
Our specialised technology are designed for individuals of all ages and functional abilities. Whether you are looking to build a foundation of strong bones during your younger years, maximising your peak bone mass at around the age of 30, preventing any signs of bone density deterioration as you age, or reducing your risk of fractures for those with osteoporosis, our comprehensive bone health care package can benefit you and your loved ones.
Latest evidence supporting Biodensity Machine
The BioDensity V5 machine has garnered significant attention for its effectiveness in improving bone density and overall bone health. The latest research and clinical studies highlight its potential as a revolutionary tool in the field of bone health assessment and therapy. Here’s a summary of the most recent evidence:
1. Novel Apparatus Provides Compression Forces on Bone (Osteoporosis International, April 2018)
2. Safety and Feasibility of Osteo-Loading in Adults with Low Bone Mass: A Preliminary Evaluation (Conviser et al, 2017)
3. Effects of bioDensity Training and Power Plate Whole-Body Vibration on Strength, Balance, and Functional Independence in Older Adults (Smith et al, 2016)
4. Effects of Low-Volume High-Intensity Strength training on health/fitness factors and glycemic control in pre-diabetes and type-2 diabetes (Slagowski et al)
5. Multiple-of-bodyweight axial bone loading using novel exercise intervention with and without bisphosphonate use for osteogenic adaptation (Jaquish, 2013)
6. High-Intensity Low-Volume Training Improves Glycemic Control and Functional Fitness in Type 2 Diabetes (Slagowski et al)
7. World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (International Osteoporosis Foundation and National Osteoporosis Foundation 2015)
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FAQs:
DEXA vs. EchoLight: What’s the difference?
Both a DEXA and Echolight scan measure what is called bone mineral density and this is depicted as a T-score. A T-score of less than –2.5 is used to diagnose osteoporosis.
A DEXA scan measures the thickness and strength of bones by passing low- and high-energy X-rays through the body. This is what has traditionally been used to measure bone health however can be subject to lower accuracy as the scans are interpreted by a person meaning there can be differences in scoring between radiologists.
An Echolight is a more recent advancement in the measurement of bone health and uses ultrasound waves instead of radiation. Using the ultrasound, the machine gives a computer-generated reading of not only bone mineral density but additionally a “fragility score”. This is a measurement of the quality of the bone’s microarchitecture and has been shown in research to be more reliable in determining someone’s fracture risk.
Is it safe to exercise with low bone density or osteoporosis? How much exercise is needed?
Not only has research shown that it is SAFE to exercise with low bone density or osteoporosis, but that it is NECESSARY. The formation of new bone is stimulated when placed under mechanical load and this is the cornerstone of our bone health program. As physiotherapists, we are trained to safely and gradually load the skeleton through exercise using machines and weights to increase the adaptive response of bone to increase bone mineral density.
A landmark trial in Australia (2018) showed that those who partook in supervised strength training 2x week for 9 months, as well as
those who participated in a 15-minute weekly BioDensity session saw improvements in their bone mineral density
compared to those who did bodyweight exercise, balance training and stretching over the same duration.
In the trial, participants were required to lift heavy weight relative to their baseline strength and there were no reported injuries besides 2 participants missing one session due to some lower back tightness. This shows that exercise is safe, with the Royal Osteoporosis Foundation recommending strength training as the first line of treatment.
How frequent are the sessions, and do I need to continue them indefinitely?
This can be tailored to the individual. The research recommends for the BioDensity program 1x weekly is needed, and for the strength training protocol 2x weekly is needed. This is undertaken over the course of 9 months. The research group who conducted the initial study are still in the process of collecting the data to analyse how long this benefit remain, for individuals who stop completely compared to those who continue.
Our recommendation is that strength training +/- the BioDensity should become part of an active lifestyle long term post the 9-month program, as it is so important and necessary for maintaining a healthy body. When you see your physiotherapist, it is important to discuss this with them to construct a realistic plan together that can ensure you are able to maintain the gains you make in the best possible way.
At what age should I start paying attention to bone health?
At the risk of sounding like a cliche, it is never to early OR too late to start thinking about bone health. For kids and teens, engaging in sports and multi-directional activity helps to develop your PEAK bone mass. This occurs in your mid-twenties where you ideally have strong and healthy bones so that as it gradually declines over time with age, it takes longer for it to develop into osteopenia or osteoporosis.
For those between the age of 18-35 this is where it is essential to start developing good habits and making strength training a part of your lifestyle, as we know this can help build strong muscles and bones. This makes it easier to maintain as you get older, and being proactive, rather than waiting for a diagnosis of osteoporosis to trigger a change in lifestyle.
For adults at any age who have been diagnosed with lower bone mineral density, or simply those who want to prevent the risk of developing osteoporosis, the time is now to start making steps in the right direction. This can involve getting an Echolight scan to get a baseline measurement of what the bone mineral density AND bone quality is like. It can mean starting to pay more attention to things such as nutrition, stress and sleep which we know have a huge impact on bone health as well as almost all the diseases of modern life.
Can exercise reverse low bone density?
YES is the short answer. A landmark trial in Australia (2018) showed that that those who partook in supervised strength training 2x week for 9 months, as well as those who underwent a 1x weekly 15-minute BioDensity session improved their bone mineral density compared to those who did bodyweight exercise, balance training and stretching over the same duration.
In the trial, participants were required to lift heavy weight relative to their baseline strength and there were no reported injuries besides 2 participants missing one session due to some lower back tightness. This shows that exercise is safe, with the Royal Osteoporosis Foundation recommending strength training as the first line of treatment.
Should all high-impact activities be avoided?
The short answer is no. This is dependent on a number of different factors. High impact activity is great for bones and is a necessary component of a program to address weaker bones as the high forces can help stimulate new bone adaptation. One way to assess if someone is eligible for this is by looking at their fragility score (acheived with an Echolight) that can measure their bone quality and dynamic strength. This can mean that someone with osteoporosis who has a good fragility score means they are safer to engage in high impact activities (within reason) compared to someone with a poor fragility score.
When we are younger, high impact activity that is done safely is fantastic and should be encouraged as this helps build our peak bone mass and strengthen our bones by exposing it to stimuli that generates an osteogenic response. This means that the bones increase their bone mineral density over time to better tolerate these forces which leads to stronger bones as we get older.
Is it safe to lift weights with low bone density?
YES! Not only is it safer but it is necessary and the foundation of building stronger bones, especially if you have osteoporosis. The only danger with lifting weights is when it is done with poor technique or without adequate supervision (for those who are new to the gym). This is where injuries can occur as it can place strain on other structures.
The formation of new bone is stimulated when placed under mechanical load and this is the cornerstone of our bone health program. As physiotherapists, we are trained to safely and gradually load the skeleton through exercise using machines and weights to increase the adaptive response of bone to increase bone mineral density.
Why are women more at risk for osteoporosis?
Women are more at risk for osteoporosis due to their hormones. Oestrogen is the key hormone that controls bone formation and during menopause the hormone levels drop, slowing the rate of bone formation. This loss is then outweighed by an increase in bone resorption which leads to a net loss of bone mineral density that over time will gradually cause their bone strength to decline and can lead to osteoporosis.
If you experience menopause before the age of 45, irregular periods at any time point or had gynaecological surgery, this impacts your oestrogen and can lead to an earlier onset of osteoporosis and it is recommended to be assessed by a doctor and had either a DEXA or Echolight scan to check the bone mineral density
What are the signs of low bone density?
Osteoporosis and low bone mineral density is known as a silent disease. This is because there are no signs or symptoms. The only way to assess bone mineral density is through a DEXA or Echolight scan. Unfortunately a lot of people don’t know that they have osteoporosis because they have never had a scan. Therefore it is only when they have a fracture that they realise they are osteoporotic and this is when it becomes much harder to improve.
The best way to prevent osteoporosis is to act like you have it. That means being proactive in the ways we know can help improve your bone health before it even becomes an issue. Taking good care of your diet, sleep and stress levels, as well as strength training and engaging in multidirectional sport all have proven benefits for your bone health.
What results have been achieved with the BioDensity machine?
The research shows that this works. A landmark trial in Australia (2018) showed that those who partook in supervised strength training twice a week for 9 months, as well as those who underwent a 1x weekly 15-minute BioDensity session improved their bone mineral density compared to those who did bodyweight exercise, balance training and stretching over the same duration.
We have been running our bone health service since early August 2024 and therefore are excited to see how our initial clients go after their 9-month Echolight scan to see if their results match that of the research and improve their bone density.
Other clinics that have used a BioDensity machine
for longer have shown similar results to that of the research, showing improvements in their T-Scores of between 5-10%.
