Our Programs

2 million Canadians have osteoporosis. One in three women & one in five men will suffer from an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime By the time an individual has their first osteoporotic fracture, the disease is already advanced. Osteoporosis can lead to pain, disfigurement, lowered self-esteem, decreased mobility and decreased independence. In Canada, there are 25,000 hip fractures yearly, with 70% related to osteoporosis. Hip fractures result in disability in 50% of survivors, and cause death in 20% of cases. Exercise is the only therapy that can reduce fracture risk by slowing bone density loss, increasing muscle mass, and improving strength and balance.

What is Bone Force?

• A comprehensive, one-on-one clinical physiotherapy assessment and fracture screening at Performance Sports Therapy for individuals with all stages of bone loss
• Two one-hour exercise and education classes, twice a week for eight weeks
• Safe and progressive small group exercise classes with individually tailored exercises
• Classes provide education on osteoporosis, and safe adaptations for activities of daily living and recreation
• Exercises follow the Too Fit to Fall or Fracture Exercise Guidelines from Osteoporosis Canada, and are chosen from Osteoporosis Canada’s Bone Fit training course for clinicians
• One goal is to teach individuals how to independently manage their condition and continue with the exercises long term, either at home or a gym

Who is a candidate for Bone Force at PST?

Clinical diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis AND/OR Individuals at high risk of fractures include:

Persons age 50+ with one or more of the following criteria:

• Have had a vertebral fracture
• Have had a hip fracture
• Have had two or more fragility fractures
• Have had one or more fragility fractures and are also currently taking glucocorticoids
• Are at high fracture risk based on a comprehensive fracture risk assessment using CAROC or FRAX

All ages are welcome, including younger patients with risk factors including long-term corticosteroid use. Individuals will be assessed and screened for suitability