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.

@awfultruth

Just want to add a couple of comments here as I have a different take on the Marodyne vib plate. I should say my comments are actually triggered by reading a number of people commenting on their take about the Marodyne device not working, being too expensive and or being a scam.
So, yes, looks like it does not help bone density. A big disappointment. I own one so the reports from Belinda Beck that the VIBMOR study will show no bone density benefits is sure not what I wanted to see.
On the other hand I do not feel tricked or deceived. There is a lot of research behind it. Belinda Beck and the team who did the study had expected it to work. It was not, to the best of my knowledge, a scam. As best I can tell, it came out of valid research projects that did not get a thorough human trial and when it finally did, it did not work. Much research ends with "does not work as hoped and expected". Why no human trial much sooner? I don't know. I also read the Marodyne site just now and I think it's within reason. I wasn't mislead when I bought mine. I did not think NASA was using them in space and had endorsed it or anything like that. The web site and the interviews I listened to with Dr Rubin did not trick me in that way. I knew that there was evidence that it could work but no real trial. Is it "misleading"? What they do in the future after the VIBMOR study is released will perhaps indicate "the stuff they are made of".

Point two. It seems that vibration can be dangerous and that those cheap plates might not be such a good idea safety wise. A big part of the idea behind the Marodyne was to make something that could stimulate bone and yet be safe. Most of my information on this does come from the Marodyne's developer Dr Clinton Rubin. I did read a bit beyond what he had to say on the topic and it seemed to support the idea of potential harmful effects from vibration. But basically I am not knowledgeable on the topic. Still, I wouldn't suggest anyone rush out and buy a vib plate of any kind or of any cost.

To my knowledge none of the cheaper vib plates folks are suggesting have ever been studied and shown to improve bone (and to be safe). So we have one expensive plate the Marodyne that was designed specifically to improve bone with a safe level of vibration and it looks now like it does not work. Why then rush out and buy a cheaper plate with likely no bone research behind it, that has maybe never been studied at all and expect that to work?

BTW, that vibrant health site you list does not appear to have anything to do with vibration plates.

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I’ve said this before and will air my thoughts again. If you listened carefully , as I did , to Belinda Beck’s talk on a Osteoporosis Symposium earlier this year…. And as she discussed the disappointment of seeing that the Marodyne was not effective as they all thought would be bore out. I was struck when she explained some of the details of what happened during the trial made me think the end of the story has still not been reached. I think more , or another go at it may show results. I have listened to Dr. Rubin. He is humble , wants to find answers , his sister is a highly regarded Endocrinologist at one of the premier North Carolina medical schools . And the underlying science of stimulation -affecting the mesencymal cells all makes sense to me as an Occupational Therapist. I guess time will tell. I’ll be waiting. Many of the leaders teaching all of us about osteoporosis have a Marodyne .

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@dmiles0507

How long have you been with UHC insurance may I ask you?

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Many years — I am retired and on a UHC Advantage plan.

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I have been going to Osteostrong for a little over six months. I am relatively young, 65, somewhat athletic, have been diagnosed with osteopenia. I also have osteoarthritis but it's 100% controlled (no pain/symptoms) by not eating sugar or starchy foods. I have learned to pay attention to correlations between what I eat and pain. I have a hunch my diet helps my joint & bone health by keeping inflammation super low. I do have unresolved occasional sharp pain at the top of my right hip which is the same general region as the worst measured osteopenia in my body.

I had a DXA scan three years ago and had one recently. My DXA scores in my spine improved 4.7%. Since I have only been doing Osteostrong for 6 months, it is likely the majority of my improvements on my DXA scan were because I have been on a hormone patch (estrogen & progesterone since I still have a uterus). Hard to tell under the circumstances how much gain is attributable to Osteostrong. All measures except the right neck femur (hip area) were improved significantly, around 1.5% except that spine score which was really big as I mentioned, 4.7%. During that time I was also going to a gym and lifting heavy weight, so that in combination with the estrogen might have helped me build bone. My endocrinologist thinks the estrogen patch made the difference. Of course being a conservative sort he might be reluctant to give Osteostrong any credit.

Once I have another DXA scan in a year or so I will report back.

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Do you mind if I ask how long ago you went into menopause? I’m your age but I am hesitant to try the estrogen patch because I’m 17 years post menopause and have family heart issues. My really want to to try though but it’s difficult getting a prescription

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@bunky44

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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Hi, I'm new on this forum. I'm contemplating Osteostrong. I'm 72, athletic, and tried drugs and they don't agree with me. I exercise a lot but my scores are flat to slowly declining. Osteostrong is super expensive in my town and I'm wondering if it's worth it. Did it help you? Thanks for sharing your story and for guidance you may want to give me. All my best!

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@lilyrock8

Hi, I'm new on this forum. I'm contemplating Osteostrong. I'm 72, athletic, and tried drugs and they don't agree with me. I exercise a lot but my scores are flat to slowly declining. Osteostrong is super expensive in my town and I'm wondering if it's worth it. Did it help you? Thanks for sharing your story and for guidance you may want to give me. All my best!

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Hello, and welcome to Mayo Connect. If you look to the top of this discussion, you can see it had been going on for some time, with lots of questions, answers and concerns addressed. Have you read through it? Some people have had good experiences, others have not been so fortunate.

When you see a post about someone using Osteostrong, if you hit "Reply" you can ask anything you would like of them. They will get a notification that someone has contacted them. For example @laurenn reports her experience just above.

One recurring theme in the discussion has been that Osteostrong is a franchise, and not all are equal. Most places are not run by medical or PT professionals, some places seem more interested in "signing you up" than in tailoring a safe program just for you.

Good luck on this journey, you can learn a lot on Connect about which treatments are based in science and which are more marketing.
Sue

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@lilyrock8

Hi, I'm new on this forum. I'm contemplating Osteostrong. I'm 72, athletic, and tried drugs and they don't agree with me. I exercise a lot but my scores are flat to slowly declining. Osteostrong is super expensive in my town and I'm wondering if it's worth it. Did it help you? Thanks for sharing your story and for guidance you may want to give me. All my best!

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Morning lilyrock8~
Thank you for your inquiry into OsteoStrong. I can understand wanting to have a definite way of regaining bone strength and integrety...but, I don't agree with the way Osteostrong goes about this.
I feel it's very harmful to be 'all of a sudden' lifting 5x your weight..even for a sec. or two. Damage can be done quite fast....I feel that I fractured my vertebre more with the one treatment I did have with this company.

I do use Bone-up and stronthiem..and have improved my severe osteoporosis by 9.8% in my lumbar spine from 2022 to now, 2024. Have stayed the same in my hips...but, my mid back has stabelized...where I had 3 compression fractures..T-8,9,10. I use a hot pack on my back most afternoons and evenings and that takes any pain away from my entire back as I move it up and down...feels so wonderful!!! I don't have to take pain meds any longer. I'll be 80 this year and feel better and better.
Since there are no instent cures for our aging bones..keeping up with it all is a constent, for sure...I exercise daily...finally got a treadmill so I can walk a mile or so each day along with whatever else I do. I take a lot of supplimtnts and my recent lab scores reflect my good health! Keep up the fight! Slow and steady wins the race! Best to you....

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Just do your research before you join despite the positive comments in this thread.

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@bunky44

Morning lilyrock8~
Thank you for your inquiry into OsteoStrong. I can understand wanting to have a definite way of regaining bone strength and integrety...but, I don't agree with the way Osteostrong goes about this.
I feel it's very harmful to be 'all of a sudden' lifting 5x your weight..even for a sec. or two. Damage can be done quite fast....I feel that I fractured my vertebre more with the one treatment I did have with this company.

I do use Bone-up and stronthiem..and have improved my severe osteoporosis by 9.8% in my lumbar spine from 2022 to now, 2024. Have stayed the same in my hips...but, my mid back has stabelized...where I had 3 compression fractures..T-8,9,10. I use a hot pack on my back most afternoons and evenings and that takes any pain away from my entire back as I move it up and down...feels so wonderful!!! I don't have to take pain meds any longer. I'll be 80 this year and feel better and better.
Since there are no instent cures for our aging bones..keeping up with it all is a constent, for sure...I exercise daily...finally got a treadmill so I can walk a mile or so each day along with whatever else I do. I take a lot of supplimtnts and my recent lab scores reflect my good health! Keep up the fight! Slow and steady wins the race! Best to you....

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Thank you so much for taking your time to reply, and for your kind words. Best to you as well.

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@laurenann

I have been going to Osteostrong for a little over six months. I am relatively young, 65, somewhat athletic, have been diagnosed with osteopenia. I also have osteoarthritis but it's 100% controlled (no pain/symptoms) by not eating sugar or starchy foods. I have learned to pay attention to correlations between what I eat and pain. I have a hunch my diet helps my joint & bone health by keeping inflammation super low. I do have unresolved occasional sharp pain at the top of my right hip which is the same general region as the worst measured osteopenia in my body.

I had a DXA scan three years ago and had one recently. My DXA scores in my spine improved 4.7%. Since I have only been doing Osteostrong for 6 months, it is likely the majority of my improvements on my DXA scan were because I have been on a hormone patch (estrogen & progesterone since I still have a uterus). Hard to tell under the circumstances how much gain is attributable to Osteostrong. All measures except the right neck femur (hip area) were improved significantly, around 1.5% except that spine score which was really big as I mentioned, 4.7%. During that time I was also going to a gym and lifting heavy weight, so that in combination with the estrogen might have helped me build bone. My endocrinologist thinks the estrogen patch made the difference. Of course being a conservative sort he might be reluctant to give Osteostrong any credit.

Once I have another DXA scan in a year or so I will report back.

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FYI I have been on a low-inflammation diet for the entire three years, including low to no sugar, no starchy foods, no gluten, no dairy. No sugar for the past 5 months or so.

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and she called my results "extremely rare." Reflecting on this, I believe my diet had a lot to do with my progress.

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