With osteopenia, can I still do flip turn while swimming?

@suekate Welcome to Mayo Connect - we're not doctors, just fellow travelers on our health journeys, so we can talk about what works for us, etc, but not answer medical questions.
This is a question for your physician - I think it would depend upon exactly where and how severe the osteopenia is, and possibly what other conditions you have.

Also, here on Connect, we love to see research-based information about the effectiveness of various exercise and treatment programs. Can you provide a title or citation for the research you are talking about?
Sue

Yes, please cite the source of your statement about swimming! Swimming is my main source of exercise, though I don't do flip turns. Those with osteoporosis are told not to round their backs, but with osteopenia you might have some wiggle room, so to speak. Yes, definitely consult with a medical professional or experienced PT. Looking forward to learning more!

I swim and I do flip turns - this doesn't make me "right" and I'm far from an expert, but I have paid attention and know that I bend at the waist to initiate the turns - I'm not rounding. Just one person's experience.

That's very informative for me, @babs10. I don't do them and wouldn't know the options the swimmer has for executing them, but of course they look like rounding . Thanks!

They do look rounding and if I was just beginning, I would probably skip flip turns. I've been doing them for decades, way before i was diagnosed. I think it also matters where your OP is (mine is my hip, not my spine) and the severity.

When you say "bend at the waist" be the same as what a PT means when they say "hinge your hips" - i.e. fold at the hips while keeping the lower back straight?

@hardingv It's a little hard to explain in the context of a flip turn, but yes, maintaining a neutral spine. As I said before, under my circumstances with years of practice, I'm comfortable doing them, but I don't think I'd try to learn how if I was inexperienced. The back DOES round a little bit but I don't feel concerned (foolhardy?) since my OP is in my hip and I am able to keep my back fairly neutral. Hope this helps.