I am somewhat amazed at the number of yoga teachers or trainers who seem unaware of the basic movement and exercise precautions recommended for people with bone health issues. It's possible the same holds true for physical therapists. The most well-informed yoga teacher I had had attended a special training program for osteoporosis at Duke. She seems to be the exception rather than the rule.

It's possible that some moves, such as cat/cow, could be done if you have a diagnosis of osteoporosis if a careful individualized evaluation is done and certain adaptations made, e.,g perhaps not do the move with extreme range of motion or move your spine into a neutral position rather than cat.

I know an orthopedist I saw several years ago told me he thought some movement in all directions was good for bone health but would be cautious in doing anything to an extreme with an osteoporosis diagnosis. Dr. Loren Fishman, who has developed a yoga program for osteoporosis, uses spinal twists. I don't remember but would hope he also advises when using some of his twists, not to take them to an extreme.

If your pt is not being particularly attentive to you and you are just beginning with him so he doesn't know you very well, I'd consider trying to find another pt if possible.

Hi and sorry for the late reply. I do think you should find another physical therapist. He should be watching you, exclusively, as a person with osteoporosis, at least until YOU are confident in all your moves and form. Those are similar exercises to what my physical therapist gave me, but add to that, step downs to squats, as well. That is the IMPACT part. I'm only standing on maybe a 4-5 inch platform, but stepping down to a squat. (an old Jane Fonda step I have from over 20 years ago!!!). This is why you need someone to watch you: I started off doing it wrong! I was jumping up, then down. She told me NOT to jump up, just off it to the squat. Little tweaks like that with a professional who is paying attention is important! I have other exercises as well that I do to strengthen back muscles, such as Bird Dogs and Dead Bugs! The more we strengthen our back muscles, the more those muscles will protect our spines. I have also heard exactly what you're saying about not flexing your back forward. I used to stretch to touch my toes, but now I won't do it. Honestly, thinking about this -- I don't like how it's changed me -- being afraid of doing some movements I used to do without a thought! But, in time, I've accepted my diagnosis, researched how to approach it holistically like mad (!), and just listen to what the bone health experts and physical therapists who are in the "know" about osteoporosis. I hope this helps? Check out Sarah Mapes, who has a YouTube channel, as well as a website. She's actually a very multi-talented woman who is a Yoga teacher who specializes in osteoporosis, as well as a nutritionist and is certified with a Bone Builder program. (hope I got the name of the program correct). She is very good at explaining things and telling you if you need to be careful of one thing or the other. I watched her when I first got my diagnosis and she is so reassuring, giving me hope when I was at first very upset. She helped me through it. She's got many videos addressing many aspects of dealing with osteopororis or osteopenia. She has an interesting back story regarding her mother. She's the real deal, a person with heart and intelligence who seems to genuinely want to help others! I wish you all the best in your journey with this condition. Keep up the good work and stay strong and positive!