Osteoporosis, falls and balance · Epping
Osteoporosis, falls prevention and balance training in Epping.
Bone responds to load, and the right kind of strength and impact training is the most effective non drug treatment for low bone density. Add balance and strength for falls prevention and you protect independence for years. Accredited Exercise Physiologists, Medicare, DVA and My Aged Care accepted.
Unit 11, 58 Willandra Drive, Epping. Free parking. Mon to Fri 9am to 7pm.
Sound familiar?
How osteoporosis, falls and balance usually shows up.
If a few of these ring true, you are in the right place. None of them mean something is badly wrong, and all of them respond to the right plan.
- A DEXA scan has shown osteopenia or osteoporosis
- You have had a fall, or a near miss, and lost confidence
- Getting up from the floor or a low chair is hard
- You feel unsteady on uneven ground or in the dark
- A parent broke a hip and you do not want to follow
- You have been told to 'be careful' and have become less active as a result
Why it happens
What is usually going on.
Bone is living tissue that adapts to the forces put through it. Walking is not enough to change bone density in adults; it takes progressive resistance training and controlled impact, done properly. Australian research has shown that supervised high intensity strength training is safe and effective even in women who already have osteoporosis.
Falls are the other half of the fracture equation. Most fractures happen because someone falls, and falls come down to leg strength, balance and reaction time, all of which improve with specific training. Well designed programs reduce falls by around a quarter and the fear of falling with it.
What we do
Assess, plan, retest. Numbers, not guesswork.
Every plan at Integral Movement starts with measurement on our force plates and strength testing, ends with a written program, and is retested at six weeks. One clinician, start to finish.
01
Assess
Bone health history and scan results, medications, strength, balance and reaction measures on the force plate, gait, and the confidence and activity you have lost.
02
Load and balance
Supervised progressive resistance training with safe impact loading for bone, plus balance and stepping training for falls. Scaled to you, never generic.
03
Maintain
Bone changes over 12 months and more. We build toward a long term routine in small groups, at home or in a community gym, with regular retests.
What the research says
Evidence, in plain English.
We read the research so you do not have to. These are the findings that shape how we treat osteoporosis, falls and balance. Ask us for the papers at your visit.
01
The LIFTMOR trial (Australia, 2018) showed eight months of supervised high intensity resistance and impact training improved spine and hip bone density and function in postmenopausal women with low bone mass, with an excellent safety record.
02
Exercise programs that challenge balance and are done for three or more hours a week reduce the rate of falls in older adults by around 23 percent (Cochrane, 2019).
03
Healthy Bones Australia and ESSA recommend progressive resistance training and weight bearing impact exercise as part of osteoporosis management alongside medication where prescribed.
Who you will see
Accredited Exercise Physiologists, not a rotating roster.
You see the same clinician start to finish. Brad Buisson and Dennis Belios lead the musculoskeletal and chronic condition work, with our dietitian and occupational therapist in the same clinic when the plan needs them. Meet the team →
Funding
Medicare care plans, NDIS, DVA, WorkCover, TAC.
With a GP Chronic Disease Management plan Medicare rebates up to five allied health visits a year. We are a registered NDIS provider and bill DVA, WorkCover and TAC directly for accepted claims. Not sure what applies? Call and we will work it out.
Epping and Melbourne's north
Osteoporosis, falls and balance help close to home.
Integral Movement is at Unit 11, 58 Willandra Drive, Epping, between Cooper Street and Edgars Road near the Northern Hospital, with free parking at the door. We see people with osteoporosis, falls and balance from Epping, South Morang, Mill Park, Wollert, Mernda, Lalor, Thomastown and across the City of Whittlesea. Home visits are available for NDIS, My Aged Care and DVA clients.
FAQ
Questions about osteoporosis, falls and balance
Is lifting weights safe with osteoporosis?
With proper supervision and technique, yes, and it is the most effective exercise for bone. We avoid loaded spinal flexion and progress carefully.
How often do I need to train?
Two supervised sessions a week is the researched dose for bone. Balance work can be done daily at home.
Can I use My Aged Care or DVA funding?
Yes. We work with Home Care Package providers and CHSP referrals, and bill DVA directly for eligible veterans.
I have already had a fracture. Is it too late?
No. Strength and balance training after a fracture reduces the risk of the next one and restores confidence and independence.
Do you offer group classes?
Yes. Small supervised groups for older adults focused on strength and balance run through the week.
Related
Often goes with it.
Osteoarthritis
Knee, hip, hand and spine arthritis.
Women's health
Pregnancy and postnatal strength, pelvic floor safe training, menopause, bone density and returning to sport after having children.
High blood pressure and heart health
Prescribed exercise lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol and makes the heart more efficient.
Hip pain
Groin, front of hip, deep ache, or stiffness getting out of the car.
Ready to get it sorted?
Unit 11, 58 Willandra Drive
Epping VIC 3076
ABN 73 674 529 241
Epping VIC 3076
ABN 73 674 529 241