Vibration

One thing Margaret Martins points out is that a Low Intensity Vibration exerciser is an option for those who do not have access to a second mode of exercise daily. So if it's possible to walk and do other weight bearing exercise in add ition to walking, LIV probably isn't necessary.

Thanks for your reply. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis at 64 despite always having an active lifestyle- mostly hiking and trail running on hills in my 50s. Unfortunately, I recently underwent pelvic radiation for cancer, which puts me at increased risk for increased bone mineral loss and insufficiency fractures. I have added strength training with osteoporosis safety precautions and some yoga postures, but I have left hip arthritis and arthritis in both thumbs/wrists, so I am looking at all my options. I was hoping someone manufactures a device that delivers LIV for $1000 or less. I haven't been able to find one, only whole-body vibration plates, which I don't want.

Hi @pamcnm, I just wrote a reply to you and lost it. Frustrating! I was an avid exerciser too so the diagnosis of osteoporosis floored me, but there's a strong family history, and I was taking prednisone for an autoimmune disorder for a year and a half - not good for the bones! Have you looked at Dr. Loren Fishman's 12 Poses vs Osteoporosis? It's very good. I googled Low Intensity Vibration Plate Exercisers and a bunch of cheap ones popped up ($100 - $200) which I think are probably misrepresented. I heard the Marodyne is so expensive because it has taken years to develop the technology and it's patented. If I find anything worthwhile, I will post. All the best.

Thanks, yes, I have Loren's 12 poses, and I also have his book. I am similarly frustrated when attempting to research LIV devices, as Google doesn't seem to distinguish between whole-body and low-intensity devices. I appreciate all of the research that has gone into the Marodyne device and the costs involved in obtaining a patent, but $3200 is simply not feasible for me.

If you're worried about spine osteo and compression fractures, you may want to skip the twists in Fishman's 12 yoga poses. I recently purchased Margaret Martin's "Yoga For Strong Bones," and she reviews a few of the limitations of his study and most of the PTs I've been reading caution against forward flexion and twists if there is low bone density in the spine.

I'm cautiously adding a weighted vest to some of my activities but avoiding twists for now.

BTW, I love Loren Fishman and have his books on both osteo and arthritis.

Yes..the limits are clearly outlined in the Fishman routine..there are 3 different ways to do each of the 12 poses—picking them for your issues. I find the twists helpful and my posture strength has improved and I like feeling stronger and my balance has greatly improved. You have to know your limits!! I love the demonstration by Kendra Fitzgerald on YouTube. She has a smooth routine I follow easily. It’s preference
.Margaret Martin was where I started, but I quickly lost interest in her delivery. I find I must click with the person—and they can’t talk too much or too slowly! I have a patience issue! Ha!
The weighted vest is a great addition to exercise, and you are very wise to start slow. I started at 1 pound and now up to 10-12. I walk with high weights every other day now..and lower weight on alternating day. Also, squats etc are easy with the vest and then I add hand weights to increase intensity. It was s wonderful addition and I’m happy you added it too!
Thanks for the info on the Fishman books.. I will look into that. Stay safe and well

Thank you, enjoy the holidays!

I am wondering if anyone out there has experienced bone loss due to menopause rather than low calcium? An endocrinologist wanted me to take Prolia but I refused because of the side effects. I wanted to try just taking calcium, Vitamin D and collagen supplements first. Then I learned from my NP that my calcium levels are normal and increasing my calcium levels would be problematic. I will continue taking the collagen and vitamin D, and my normal diet has the right amount of calcium. I am a yoga teacher and very healthy except for neck and back pain, but now I’m really at sea. Will exercise alone help?

Hi dtk58,
I think many of us on this site have post-menopausal bone loss. I had early menopause at 43, 20+ years ago. My gyn prescribed Fosamax (before we knew all the bad things that can happen on that) and never bothered to refer me to an endocrinologist (which I think she should have). I was on Fosamax for 10 years without any side effects. My bone density was pretty stable at that time. During a 10 year drug holiday I had slow but progressive bone loss. Tried to avoid drugs by exercising and with supplements, but slid into osteoporosis of -2.9 in the lumbar spine and am now back on Fosamax.
I have normal calcium levels, but my endocrinologist told me to make sure that I get 1200 mg of calcium, from food as much as possible and the rest from supplements. I also take magnesium, vitamins D, K2, collagen (just started that). I am not a fan of meds, but very scared of sustaining a fracture. I have read enough sad stories of difficulties following a fracture on this website to be willing to try another course of Fosamax.

Hi @dkt58, since you are a Yoga Teacher, why don't you check out Dr. Loren Fishman's 12 Poses vs Osteoporosis and his work at http://www.sciataca.org? He has a study underway and a previous one in which selected yoga poses improved subjects' bone density. There is also an interview with him you can Google, More Than Anatomy, on his work.