How to exercise safely with osteoporosis

The Royal Osteoporosis Society has issued guidance on the advice nurses should give about physical activity

I worked for many years on the specialist nurse helpline at the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS). Two of the questions I was asked most often were: ‘Will exercise help to strengthen my bones?’ and: ‘Is exercise safe now I have osteoporosis?’

I found that people diagnosed with osteoporosis – some with fractures – were giving up exercise and leisure activities, often because of ‘something they had been told’.

The main reason for reducing activity was fear that exercise could cause fractures, especially in the spine.

The ROS recently published an expert consensus statement, backed up by detailed information for patients, which makes specific recommendations on physical activity for healthcare professionals who advise patients