Anyone had experience with OsteoStrong, who is not a franchisee?

Posted by tikigod18 @tikigod18, Jan 29, 2019

Has anyone had experience with OsteoStrong? It suggests you will get a large increase in bone density while using their facility 10 minutes per WEEK. Somewhat pricey at $99 and up per month, but am curious if anyone who is NOT a franchisee, has experienced this program?

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

@giannam

Hi @shaunalosborne1 When you say 'safe way' does that mean there's some type of supervision/guidance with OsteoStrong? I'm still healing from fractured ribs. My doc wants me to have PT for Muscle, Posture, and Fall Prevention. My accident happened in early June 2021—I agree, work on those 3 areas, can't believe how much muscle tone I've lost! I have Osteoporosis of the spine and L hip. Of course the rib fractures are left side. I'm new here, trying to take things in from people who know more than myself. Is OS low impact ? I'd appreciate any info and kudos to you and your husband! Obviously you're living proof that this process works!

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Hello fellow travelers....not an easy road to walk, for sure.
I did go for my complimentary workout at my local OsteoStrong facility yesterday. I was walked through all the modalities and was than guided through a total workout..which takes about 15 minutes. I was doing the different strength loading workouts...pressing down, pulling up..leg strength as well as the vibration plate experience. It all felt great to do...watching the numbers climb and seeing my strength measured..which surprised even the ladies that were assisting me. It's true that it takes about 4.5 x one's own body weight to even 'wake up' our bone building agents...by doing these types of 'tensions' for the 5 sec. had quite an effect on how I felt afterwards. I did get up to pushing 575lbs on the arm machine..and since I weigh 124lbs...that wasn't bad at all for my first time. I have to admit..by the end of my day I was pooped!...I felt 'worked-out' for sure! More than I have in years and years of being active...I wasn't sore in any areas..just wiped out!
I went to bed early..and feel great today! I got a whole bunch of literature on the vibration therapy as well as the reasoning behind "OsteoStrongs" techniques, which I've read and better understand their goals.,now. It's a once a week program for 129 a month....a little less for families.
Because I present with such high DXA numbers...the minus numbers....I haven't been pushing my workouts as much these past years....but this 15 minute workout was like the old days..when I would work out for hours and got that 'feeling' of an all over body exhaustion....it felt great!, must say....
I am doing other modalities at this time..like collagen and more protein intake along with "GrowBone"..and will have another DXA in July. I am also getting cataract surgeries in April and May...so I need to get all of these things behind me and I just might end up scrimping on some things and going for this regime. After feeling the results of the 15min workout...
Wishing you all the best in your searches.

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@bunky44

Hello fellow travelers....not an easy road to walk, for sure.
I did go for my complimentary workout at my local OsteoStrong facility yesterday. I was walked through all the modalities and was than guided through a total workout..which takes about 15 minutes. I was doing the different strength loading workouts...pressing down, pulling up..leg strength as well as the vibration plate experience. It all felt great to do...watching the numbers climb and seeing my strength measured..which surprised even the ladies that were assisting me. It's true that it takes about 4.5 x one's own body weight to even 'wake up' our bone building agents...by doing these types of 'tensions' for the 5 sec. had quite an effect on how I felt afterwards. I did get up to pushing 575lbs on the arm machine..and since I weigh 124lbs...that wasn't bad at all for my first time. I have to admit..by the end of my day I was pooped!...I felt 'worked-out' for sure! More than I have in years and years of being active...I wasn't sore in any areas..just wiped out!
I went to bed early..and feel great today! I got a whole bunch of literature on the vibration therapy as well as the reasoning behind "OsteoStrongs" techniques, which I've read and better understand their goals.,now. It's a once a week program for 129 a month....a little less for families.
Because I present with such high DXA numbers...the minus numbers....I haven't been pushing my workouts as much these past years....but this 15 minute workout was like the old days..when I would work out for hours and got that 'feeling' of an all over body exhaustion....it felt great!, must say....
I am doing other modalities at this time..like collagen and more protein intake along with "GrowBone"..and will have another DXA in July. I am also getting cataract surgeries in April and May...so I need to get all of these things behind me and I just might end up scrimping on some things and going for this regime. After feeling the results of the 15min workout...
Wishing you all the best in your searches.

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@bunky44 Hi and thanks for answering. After reading about your workout, sounds like I'm not there yet, just starting PT next week to build muscle tone, posture and fall prevention after so many months of 'just resting' and the inability to do so many things. I'm a noodle at the moment and 115 lbs.—working out for hours (sans osteo/fractures) doesn't happen in my sedentary field. I've been using a collagen peptide supplement, dissolves in water—I use Earl Grey Tea to cut the chalky part—not bad! Hopefully it's doing something. My all over body exhaustion came from a PT job in a wine store yrs ago—never in better shape in my life, lifting 50 lbs to my shoulders on an everyday basis. I like built-in exercise—something where I don't realize the workout is really going on. 15 minutes, once a week, $129 a month? Seems like a lot but if it's helping, cutting corners in other ways might be worth it. I have to find one around here, check it out. At the moment I'm still in acute rib recovery so 575lbs on the arm machine doesn't seem like it would work at the moment. I need to develop more low impact strength or that could be another set of fractures for me! Thanks so much for the info, it's certainly worth a complimentary workout when put together a bit more. Many Thanks and good luck—keep it going!!

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Morning giannam~
Thank you for your sharing. So sorry to hear of your rib fractures. ...as well as your hip and back woes. Do you know how you fractured your ribs? I have a T-8 compression fracture that happened to me in 2013 and I still have daily pain from it..seems compression fractures are always there to remind us!
I told my 'older' sister about OS and that there was a facility close to where she lives..in Seattle....she researched it..and sure enough, did manage to find that this type of PT, while it felt good to do...and has some great data behind it...might not be for everyone's bodies. I would look into this modality more..since you are already dealing with trying to heal from your current fractures. Sadly, I've found that most Dr's are too willing to advise their patients with Osteoporosis or other maladies to just take the 'meds'....leaving us lay people very much in the dark as to how best to ameliorate in some way the conditions we find ourselves in. Not so black and white as in the glowing commercials of these drugs is so prevalent. Just speaking for me here....at this stage of my life...having just lost the love of my life to Parkinson's and LBD.....I am all about peace of mind and how important that is..inner peace.....I sat and stared out the window, grieving...for over a year...got down to 110lbs...(I was 145lbs)...looking like a ghost of what I was....until I was able to begin the process of living again. After taking care of my sweetie for the last 15 years of our 48 years together...really, the last 4 were the worst....being his only caregiver took its toll on my health, big time. So now...now I'm coming back..my weight has gone up to 124...that's a good weight for me, I feel at this time. I have no interest, like you in setting up exercise routines and then disappointing myself when I don't want to comply. I would rather dance around my house..run around like a crazy lady..at least that's the look I get from my kitty...but I'm happier working out in these ways...and not just sitting. My dexa scores are in terrible minus numbers...but, when I'm out and about...I feel great! My knees are shot...bone on bone osteoarthritis..so stairs are a problem these days. I walk with walking sticks when I take a walk that are tall enough that I get an elliptical workout..as well as them taking some pressure off of my knees...and being my extra legs for added stability against falls...and I can get going really fast...so, to me that's a win! Also doing all the nutrients mentioned before. Time is not on my side here...at 77 yrs. young...it is what it is. We all have to do what we can, without getting to caught up in the weeds....It feels more empowering for me to do what I can to take better care of myself at this time..and having peace of mind behind what I am doing and feeling is paramount for my daily existence...that and being a part of my sweet kitties life...she brings me joy now.
I wish you all the best in all your struggles and hope for more 'wins' when it comes to the decisions we have to make. Remember to breathe...and feel grateful....that kind of medicine can never hurt to apply...

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@giannam

@bunky44 Hi and thanks for answering. After reading about your workout, sounds like I'm not there yet, just starting PT next week to build muscle tone, posture and fall prevention after so many months of 'just resting' and the inability to do so many things. I'm a noodle at the moment and 115 lbs.—working out for hours (sans osteo/fractures) doesn't happen in my sedentary field. I've been using a collagen peptide supplement, dissolves in water—I use Earl Grey Tea to cut the chalky part—not bad! Hopefully it's doing something. My all over body exhaustion came from a PT job in a wine store yrs ago—never in better shape in my life, lifting 50 lbs to my shoulders on an everyday basis. I like built-in exercise—something where I don't realize the workout is really going on. 15 minutes, once a week, $129 a month? Seems like a lot but if it's helping, cutting corners in other ways might be worth it. I have to find one around here, check it out. At the moment I'm still in acute rib recovery so 575lbs on the arm machine doesn't seem like it would work at the moment. I need to develop more low impact strength or that could be another set of fractures for me! Thanks so much for the info, it's certainly worth a complimentary workout when put together a bit more. Many Thanks and good luck—keep it going!!

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I'm in Hawaii.. had the orientation for OsteoStrong last week. The price here is 199 a month and 239 for the premium package.. I liked the people there, the "machines" are few and there are no reps .. just a one and done on each one. I did well at baseline except for the balance thing. My fx risk is high with a T score of -3.7 in the lumbar spine. I am taking a collagen peptide supplement as well and like you, am 115 lbs at 5ft 8 in .. and work at a sedentary position. On the fence about joining. Seems that every little bit will help. But 200 a month for 4 quick sessions is pricey.

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Has anyone gone to OsteoStrong to improve their osteoporosis? I have gone twice. It now hurts to turn my neck and I have had pain in my mid-back area every day.

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@bruceandruth1970

Has anyone gone to OsteoStrong to improve their osteoporosis? I have gone twice. It now hurts to turn my neck and I have had pain in my mid-back area every day.

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I am not familiar with OsteoStrong specifically, but have had lots of PT over the years. In my experience, there can be either "good pain" or "bad pain " afterwards.

Since you are often activating muscles and tendons that have become weak, stiff or lazy, some pain ( the good kind) is to be expected. The therapist should warn you what to expect. It should respond to heat, ice or a mild pain reliever. If not it's time to call the therapist.

Bad pain can happen when you try to do too much too soon, the therapist uses a cookie cutter approach and doesn't adjust equipment or intensity to you specifically, the exercises are done wrong, or you have underlying conditions that make it the wrong thing for you.

When I have had issues, first I talk to the therapist. If not satisfied, I will change people or programs. Finally, did you clear your fitness for the program with your docs?
Sue

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@sueinmn

I am not familiar with OsteoStrong specifically, but have had lots of PT over the years. In my experience, there can be either "good pain" or "bad pain " afterwards.

Since you are often activating muscles and tendons that have become weak, stiff or lazy, some pain ( the good kind) is to be expected. The therapist should warn you what to expect. It should respond to heat, ice or a mild pain reliever. If not it's time to call the therapist.

Bad pain can happen when you try to do too much too soon, the therapist uses a cookie cutter approach and doesn't adjust equipment or intensity to you specifically, the exercises are done wrong, or you have underlying conditions that make it the wrong thing for you.

When I have had issues, first I talk to the therapist. If not satisfied, I will change people or programs. Finally, did you clear your fitness for the program with your docs?
Sue

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Thank you Sue. I have an appointment with my doctor this week.

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@rubyz

I'm in Hawaii.. had the orientation for OsteoStrong last week. The price here is 199 a month and 239 for the premium package.. I liked the people there, the "machines" are few and there are no reps .. just a one and done on each one. I did well at baseline except for the balance thing. My fx risk is high with a T score of -3.7 in the lumbar spine. I am taking a collagen peptide supplement as well and like you, am 115 lbs at 5ft 8 in .. and work at a sedentary position. On the fence about joining. Seems that every little bit will help. But 200 a month for 4 quick sessions is pricey.

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Hi Rubyz~
I just came across your posting....regarding Osteostrong.
The one near me was only 99 a month...had two machines and the vibration plate. I'm at the same bad numbers you're at..both in lower spine and hips. I weigh a bit more then you at 123 and am 5'4". Our weight or lack there of has a lot to do with how much we can achieve with re-building our bone density..as doing weight bearing exercises is tough to even start to get our muscles to the point of making even a small dent in our bones. I was lucky I didn't further injure myself trying to do the resistance machines...which I got up to 545 lbs. That was a great number..but one that I could never maintain on my own..and could also have caused major problems...I was lucky not to have further hurt myself with this type of exercise. I did rather enjoy the vibration plate and have since then bought one from Lifepro and use it daily..but am cautious also with that..so as not to cause problems I don't already have.

I am taking collagen peptides as well as bone building supplements...eating more responsibly, mostly plant based. I'm 77 yrs. young..and doing my best to stay upright and avoid falls and fractures. I will not take the medications out there for my osteoporosis...just don't want that added stress with the 'unknown' factors these can cause.
We have to be careful with what we do attempt to do for our bones..not wanting to cause further damage..so I would respectfully advise you to also think more about what exercises you do do...while resistance training is a good thing...we generally cannot lift enough weight to really make a difference...but the vibration therapy seems to work differently on our bodies by activating our muscles to do their job without causing injury when used properly. I would suggest that you look into this type of therapy..Nasa has a lot of studies done which are most compelling. Above all..be kind to your body..and follow your instincts...take care, I wish you well.

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@bunky44

Very appreciative of your research and reply to us all. Information is the key to understanding the options that are available to us. No one is the same when it comes to facing the daunting discovery of having osteoporosis..and that sinking feeling of "Now what"?
I've been following the threads of 'Connect' for quite sometime now..and I feel that the general consensus is that we don't do well with the Western pharmaceuticals en mass.....so what are our alternatives?
While trying to do our best in eating and daily exercise routines...are at best, wishful thinking..as our bones have no ego here...they either get what they need to stay strong..or they grow weaker as we age....unless we can manage to change that equation..without becoming a star athlete, PT or soothsayers.
NASA faced the problem of their astronauts developing bone loss from the lack of gravity..and man was that fast for many in the programs. They developed a way of giving back bone density to their astronauts by using vibration techniques..which showed great promise as well as better BMD scores.
While strenuous exercise is required to even begin to rebuild bone mass...so are the right supplements, as well as the correct amounts of calcium..to even begin to stimulate the bones to wake up and start to deliver more 'mass'. I fear that the reality of making major life changes for the oh so many in our age group..to be nothing short of impossible....so, what else could we be doing? While there are
'natural' supplements out there..where to start with those..when 'profit' is always the goals of any company....believing in what one company promises might bring hope and a mental high in thinking "oh this will work for me'".there doesn't seem to be an overriding consensus that any of these will actually help..and in a timely manner..as we are mostly considered to be 'elderly'....even if we don't 'feel' that to be true.
I would like to have more information as to the effects of the vibration techniques that are out there and available to the public. Businesses like OsteoStrong are gaining in popularity because of the many modalities they offer, I would imagine....again, knowledge....The science behind vibration therapy is extensive and available online....as are the many products that offer some hope for so many. Learning the differences between the frequencies and vibrations...cause and effect is the responsibility of the user...but gee..if NASA was interested enough to solve this problem for their own..then hopefully we can bring that bit of knowledge into our own homes.
Full disclosure...I do have an "OsteoStrong" facility in my small town in Southern Oregon...I am scheduled for an initial walk through complimentary hour this coming Tuesday....my main goal here is to see what they are doing....resistance training..as opposed to free weights...and also interested in their vibration machines..and at what frequency they are using them at.
My DEXA scores are far worse than any of the ones I've seen on this thread...being a -4 lumbar and -3 hips....oy.....but....I am without pain when I walk and dance and move around. I am taking a product called "GrowBone" and have followed their protocol for months now and will get another scan in July. I considered myself an athlete..still do...my tennis racket, pickleball equip always in my car and ready to play! I had to have a hysterectomy when I was 25, I'm 77 now...and took meds at the time that also decreased my bone mass....So here I am today...seeking ways of ameliorating my condition without the awful side effects that big Pharma has to offer. I will continue my research...if any of you have any better ideas..please inform! Bless you all...you give me strength!

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Would you tell me about your experience with OsteoStrong. I had back pain afterwards. I would also like to know about GrowBone.
Thank you.

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@bruceandruth1970

Would you tell me about your experience with OsteoStrong. I had back pain afterwards. I would also like to know about GrowBone.
Thank you.

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Morning bruceandruth~
Good to know there is interest in our experiences in dealing with our 'bone' problems on this post.
It's a real win win for all of us.
Since my DEXA shows that I'm in severe osteoporosis, there are certain exercises and stresses I should not be doing. I do enough on my own to cause damage..as I am always reaching and pulling and dancing...while also trying to be wiser.
I really could have seriously damaged myself with the extreme resistance applied with the machines at OsteoStrong. I didn't, but could have. I would suggest that anyone that is in the 'severe' category should think twice about exerting this much pressure on our already weakened bones. I managed to 'press' over 545lbs! I would never be able to do that on my own..so this was a lot to put on my bones....so think twice about what you are doing to regain bone density that isn't as extreme.
I do like the data behind the vibration plate therapy..and enjoy using mine. Again...take it easy...this is not a toy.
I was taking Grow Bone for about 6 months...and then had some disparate symptoms..like a bit of vertigo and wierd toe numbness. I checked out all the other supplements I was taking..using my pendulum..and it told me that GB was not for me. The Strontium part of this product seemed fine for me..but not the calcium part. I switched back to Bone-Up and then saw that a famous oncologist and one that saved my husbands life when he had stage 4 prostate cancer, was also behind, as well as putting his name on a bone building product that Life Extension is selling. I will get that product soon. His name is Dr. Stephan Strum...you can google him.
While it is 10 caps a day..that doesn't bother me..but I do see that many are not wanting to take so many caps a day. I trust this mans opinion as well as his dedication to assist others.
We didn't get weak bones over night..and it will take a lot to turn our 'ships' around...so don't give up what makes sense to you...keep searching for more information and do what feels right for you. Stressing over what we have isn't helpful...looking for peace of mind in our battle is as important as any medication or supplement or exercise routine we could do for ourselves. I wish you all the very best. Keep moving!

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