Weight lifting - bone scans improved in one year!

Posted by vga @vga, Apr 21 6:47pm

I'm a 62-year-old woman, average weight, healthy eater, and a runner. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis last year with my first bone scan. I tried one dose of oral Fosamax--it made me terribly sick--so I stopped immediately. I researched alternatives, adding Vitamin K2 and D to my supplements, and started weight lifting with heavy weights 5-6 times a week. I researched specific osteroporosis weight lifting programs, but couldn't find a coach nearby. So, I just started using youtube videos and lifting heavy weights. I just had a repeat bone scan that showed improvement in all my numbers--moving osteoporosis to osteopenia for some locations. My worst area is my L3--this improved by 30%! In one year! Very excited to share this. I hope that sharing my results might encourage others to try weight lifing.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

Profile picture for pmhpesp5 @pmhpesp5

@vga Thank you so much! Such a nonwealth of information. I definitely will check it out and dig into my weights bag to build up to heavier weights. Yes, menopause was a zinger, but was hoping to normalize afterwards. I loved to run, but had to give it up. Still active but not to the degree I want (I’m a little too competitive with myself). Good luck with your programs.

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@vga … such a wealth of information (not nonwealth, which I’m sure to figured out) 😬

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Profile picture for pattyazul @pattyazul

@coopermom hi I was also just diagnosed with osteoporosis. Trying to learn as much as I can before I start any pharmaceutical decisions. But how a vibration plate can help ? Just curious

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@pattyazul Well, I started it for a couple reasons, one lymphatic flow through my body and two for bone density. Whether it helps or not, the reasoning would be: They work by providing low-impact, high-frequency stimulation that triggers muscle contraction and stimulates bone remodeling.
I figured the 10 minutes a day couldn't hurt me. We shall see...

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Hi, LIFTMOR study proved that people can increase their bone density at any age with weight lifting. Your best bet is a strength trainer who has an education in osteoporosis (e.g. Bonefit).
There are several on-line options, but as the regimen needs to be progressive, not to mention safe, look for providers that offer remote coaching, either in groups or individually.

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Profile picture for coopermom @coopermom

@pattyazul Well, I started it for a couple reasons, one lymphatic flow through my body and two for bone density. Whether it helps or not, the reasoning would be: They work by providing low-impact, high-frequency stimulation that triggers muscle contraction and stimulates bone remodeling.
I figured the 10 minutes a day couldn't hurt me. We shall see...

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@coopermom sounds like a fun activity , I am researching to see which vibrating plate will be the best ..I am also considering it .. thank you !

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Profile picture for coopermom @coopermom

@pattyazul Well, I started it for a couple reasons, one lymphatic flow through my body and two for bone density. Whether it helps or not, the reasoning would be: They work by providing low-impact, high-frequency stimulation that triggers muscle contraction and stimulates bone remodeling.
I figured the 10 minutes a day couldn't hurt me. We shall see...

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@coopermom
I seriously considered vibration plates for osteoporosis as well. I did some research and decided not to move forward. I searched Google for - can vibration plates cause brain damage?

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Profile picture for pattyazul @pattyazul

@coopermom sounds like a fun activity , I am researching to see which vibrating plate will be the best ..I am also considering it .. thank you !

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@pattyazul I was looking at the PowerPlate that has probably good rating .. definitely a big investment, Is that the one that you are using ? If you don’t mind are you able to recommend other? TY

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Profile picture for chofeldt @chofeldt

Thank you for sharing. I'm trying to do the same. It is encouraging!

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@chofeldt I have a question. Did you take Collagen? If so what did you take? I have been doing some research on it but it is hard to tell what is best. AI said that a collagen called Fortibone was best for bone structural integrity by stimulating bone-forming cells and reducing bone breakdown, aiding in increased bone density.

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(For those investigating the vibration plate and more…)

I was thinking how my sister uses a small trampoline to bounce each day, thereby helping her lymphatic system drain more effectively. I found this article that considers jumping, in general, as another alternative to improve bone health:
https://foothillspt.com/jumping-for-womens-health-boosting-bone-lymphatic-tendon-and-pelvic-floor-health/
(Obviously, I’d obtain guidance from PT’s or PCP’s and proceed cautiously).

At 66, I also started jumping rope. Used to be a “pro” at recess doing all the tricks when younger. Now it’s hilarious just trying not to trip up with every revolution.
🤔Interestingly enough, I have this same problem with putting under undergarments on - TMI - So fun getting old 😂)

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Profile picture for pamelacuming @pamelacuming

Thank you for sharing! Can you tell us how much weight you are lifting and what program? What kind of exercises were the most effective the weights?

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@pamelacuming Not the author responding but i too had tried a bone drug and got off it because of the side effects. I started weight lifting and in a year and a half got out of osteoporosis and into osteopenia! My doctor was very impressed and said it was a direct result of the weights. I found the back exercise that worked most for me was the one where you lean over a padded stand and raise your back up from leaning over it. I added a 25 lb weight I cradle to my chest as I do back raises. This has strengthened my back so much and improved the density. I also lift pretty heavy kettle bells in a dead lift from floor twist and also do swings with them. for hips I find the leg press to be very effective as you press pretty hard from the hips as you press the plate away from your body. I am convinced weight lifting plus supplements changed my situation.

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Profile picture for humphreysbr @humphreysbr

@pamelacuming Not the author responding but i too had tried a bone drug and got off it because of the side effects. I started weight lifting and in a year and a half got out of osteoporosis and into osteopenia! My doctor was very impressed and said it was a direct result of the weights. I found the back exercise that worked most for me was the one where you lean over a padded stand and raise your back up from leaning over it. I added a 25 lb weight I cradle to my chest as I do back raises. This has strengthened my back so much and improved the density. I also lift pretty heavy kettle bells in a dead lift from floor twist and also do swings with them. for hips I find the leg press to be very effective as you press pretty hard from the hips as you press the plate away from your body. I am convinced weight lifting plus supplements changed my situation.

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@humphreysbr that should say from floor to waist on the dead lift of the kettle bells. Not twist!

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