For patients with a diagnosis of Osteoporosis or Osteopenia

Our Bone Fitness Program is specially designed for individuals with osteoporosis, those at risk of developing it, or those recovering from a recent fall or fragility fracture. Developed by experts Tina Ziebart and Allison Francis, both BoneFit™ certified, the program offers specialized exercise prescriptions for those with osteoporosis. Classes are led by Tina Ziebart, a registered physiotherapist, professor of physiotherapy at Western University, and BoneFit™ lead trainer. With her extensive experience training healthcare professionals and researching exercise for osteoporosis, Tina brings unparalleled expertise to help you manage your bone health.

What is Osteoporosis? 

Osteoporosis, often referred to as the “silent thief,” is a bone disease that can progress without symptoms until a fracture occurs, most commonly in the wrist, hip, or spine. The risk of osteoporosis increases with age, but early diagnosis and proper management can help slow its progression. While there is no cure, osteoporosis can be managed through a combination of medication and non-medication approaches, such as exercise, nutrition, and fall prevention strategies.

Bone Fitness Physiotherapy

Assessment

Start with a one-on-one physiotherapy assessment where baseline data is acquired to track progress or reassure maintenance 

Education

Receive an education booklet outlining exercises designed to minimize the impact of Osteoporosis. 

Treatment Plan

Join the 12- week program, with sessions twice per week in small groups of 10 or fewer participants. 

Start your journey

Contact the office by calling, emailing or booking online today! 

 

Benefits

The Bone Fitness Program addresses osteoporosis with a comprehensive approach. Our focus is on improving bone health through:

 

Targeted Exercise:

Designed specifically for individuals with osteoporosis or at risk of fractures.

  • increase muscle strength 
  • improve balance

Fall Prevention

Practical strategies to reduce the risk of falls, a leading cause of fractures in individuals with osteoporosis.

  • reduce the risk of fracturing

Education

Learn how to manage osteoporosis and prevent further bone loss.

 

Prerequisites

Osteoporosis or Osteopenia

Further Criteria for Program Eligibility

Program Overview

All assessments, education, and exercise sessions are led by a BoneFit™-trained, registered physiotherapist, ensuring expert guidance throughout your journey to better bone health.

 

The program begins with a 60-minute one-on-one assessment with a licensed physiotherapist. This thorough evaluation will determine your eligibility for the Bone Fitness Program and provide a detailed explanation of the benefits, risks, and alternatives. During the assessment, you’ll complete a series of standardized tests to measure muscle strength, endurance, and balance, which will be used to track your progress from the start to the end of the program.

Participants will receive an education booklet to help track their exercise progress and reinforce key concepts covered in the sessions.

You will attend a small group exercise program, held twice a week for 6 weeks (12 classes in total), each 60-minute session designed to target bone health and overall physical function.

 

Contact us at ReActive Physiotherapy to learn more about the program and schedule your assessment!

Schedule & Cost

Exercise Classes are available with daytime options. Contact us to find out the next start date.

Cost: $40 per session for 12 sessions, plus a $150 initial assessment fee. Most private health insurance plans cover the majority of these costs.

Program Pathway

Self Referral

If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia, you can complete a self-referral. Our Bone Fit trained physiotherapists will assess your condition to determine if the program is the right fit for you.

Referral from Family Doctor​ or Rhematologist

Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and ask for a referral to join the program. In order to have coverage under some health benefits plans, a referral to physiotherapy is required. 

Physio Team

Frequently
asked questions

Find answers to common questions about the Bone Fitness Physiotherapy program, designed to help individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia improve strength, reduce pain, learn safe exercises and lifting techniques to enhance quality of life mitigate risk of fracture through evidence-based exercises and education.

The program runs for 6 weeks, including one assessment session and 12 exercise classes. Each session is 1 hour in duration. 

This program may be covered under extended health insurance, as it is billed as physiotherapy, depending on your provider and plan.

This program is not covered by OHIP but can be covered by most extended health insurance plans.

In order to complete the program, it is recommended to attend all 12 sessions. This ensures you fully understand the importance of the exercises and have a comprehensive program to continue with after graduation.

Please come prepared for class with athletic shorts, a comfortable shirt, supportive athletic shoes, and a water bottle, ready for exercise.

The classes are held twice a week for six consecutive weeks, with options for either morning or early afternoon sessions. When signing up, you’ll need to choose one time slot—either mornings or afternoons. All sessions are led by Bone Fit trained, registered physiotherapists. New classes run every two to three months, so check with our front desk team to get started. 

During each class, participants will follow their own individualized program, specifically tailored to their physical abilities and needs. A physiotherapist will be there to guide them through all exercises, ensuring proper technique and providing appropriate challenges for continued progress.

If you cancel your appointment at least 24 hours in advance, there will be no missed appointment fees. However, missed or late cancellations will incur a $40 fee. You can make up missed classes for up to two sessions, subject to availability, with make-up sessions offered when possible.

You will be provided with an exercise booklet and an opportunity to purchase some equipment to use for use at home. This program is designed to provide the framework to continue with at home to maintain flexibility and strength. 

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