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!
Thank you! I will check out Sarah Mapes, and definitely look for a PT who will pay more attention to my form. Thanks for the bird dog and dead bug ideas; they will now take the place of the crunches I used to do for my abs. A few things that are better since my OP diagnosis is that I have become stronger (I can hit a golf ball much further) and my diet is better!! If you like to listen to podcasts about Osteoporosis on YouTube, listen to Margie Bissinger; she puts out a podcast every week!
BTW; I just checked out Sarah Mapes and saw on her bio that she is a Bone Fit instructor. I will start listening to her podcasts!! There is a PT near me who is a qualified Bone Fit instructor and I am going to start working with her. I had wanted to do the Onero training, but the closest to me is over 2 hours away!!