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Bone Voyage: Navigating the Path to Stronger Bones with the FOX Osteoporosis Specialist Program

Published On 10.14.25

By Jasmine Scarborough PT, DPT, LSVT-BIG; Jennifer Freda PT, DPT, GCS, CDP, LSVT-BIG; Jennifer Rothman PT, DPT, GCS, C1 & C2 Schroth Certified, BoneFit™ Trained; Kelly Shistle PT, DPT, CDP, LSVT-BIG  

Osteoporosis is a progressive condition that weakens bones, making them thin, brittle, and more prone to fractures. It affects over 10 million Americans over the age of 50, yet many remain unaware until a fracture occurs. At FOX, we believe it’s time to chart a new course in bone health, one grounded in proactive care, education, and expert support through our Osteoporosis Specialist Program. This blog explores what osteoporosis is, how it develops, and how Physical Therapy can help maintain one’s mobility, independence, and confidence.  

What Is Osteoporosis? 

Often called the “silent disease,” osteoporosis typically goes unnoticed until a fracture reveals its presence. Our bones are constantly at work, breaking down old tissue and rebuilding new tissue. Osteoporosis occurs when the body either loses too much bone, it doesn’t make enough new bone, or both.  

Given this, bones become brittle, and even simple movements like bending, sneezing, or a minor fall can cause fractures. The wrist, hip, and spine are the most common sites for fractures caused by osteoporosis.  

How is it Diagnosed? 

Diagnosis begins with a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test, most commonly a Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. This noninvasive test measures bone density in vulnerable areas like the spine and hips. A T-score of -2.5 or lower typically indicates osteoporosis. 

Healthcare providers may also use tools like the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) score to estimate your 10-year fracture risk, and blood tests to rule out other conditions affecting bone health. 

Recognizing the Signs 

Osteoporosis often progresses silently, but as bone loss advances, you may notice: 

  • Loss of height 
  • Rounded back, shoulders and forward head posture 
  • Chronic back pain  
  • Fractures from minor incidents like coughing, sneezing or falls 

Who Should Get Screened? 

Routine screening is recommended for: 

  • Women aged 65+ 
  • Postmenopausal women under 65 with risk factors such as:  
  • Low body weight 
  • Smoking 
  • Alcohol use 
  • Family history 
  • Men aged 70+, or younger men with risk factors 

Early detection is crucial. If you or someone in your care for meets the above criteria, it’s important to start the conversation about bone health with a healthcare provider and consider a bone density test as part of a proactive care plan. 

Why Osteoporosis Matters 

The wrist, hip, and spine are the most common sites for fractures caused by osteoporosis. Fractures in the hip or spine can have serious consequences for older adults, including a shorter life expectancy and a decline in overall health.4 Without the right treatment strategies, individuals may experience a gradual decline in mobility and function, often driven by a fear of falling or moving incorrectly. This fear can lead to isolation and reduced participation in everyday activities.  Due to this, a proactive and multi-disciplinary treatment approach is essential, focusing on ways to slow bone loss, improve movement, and prevent future complications.   

How Can the FOX Osteoporosis Specialist Program Help? 

With the right support, education, and treatment, individuals can regain confidence, improve their quality of life, and return to the activities that matter most. At FOX, we’re here to guide you through that journey compassionately and conveniently. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or provider, recognizing the signs and seeking help is the first step toward lasting change.  

If you or someone you care for is experiencing symptoms of Osteoporosis, we invite you to connect with our specialists and explore how our telehealth program can provide support from the privacy and comfort of home. 

Our dedicated Osteoporosis Specialists help individuals reduce risk of future fracture, slow or prevent further bone loss, and promote safe movement and proper body mechanics through:   

  • One-on-one care with a Physical Therapist who has advanced training in osteoporosis management 
  • A comprehensive program tailored to the individual including:  
  • Evidence-based exercises to preserve bone density and enhance strength 
  • Fall Prevention strategies and home safety assessments 
  • Postural training to reduce pain and prevent spinal compression fractures  
  • Use of validated tools to track progress 
  • Patient centered education on bone-health, safe spine mechanics, home exercise programs and lifestyle modifications 

Osteoporosis affects millions, but with the right knowledge and support, it doesn’t have to limit one’s life. Whether you’re a patient looking to stay active, a caregiver supporting a loved one, or a clinician seeking effective tools for treatment, the FOX Osteoporosis Specialist Program offers a comprehensive, personalized approach to bone health. With the right education, early detection, and expert care, we can work together to lower the risk of fractures, improve mobility, and support long-term bone health. Let’s take the next step toward stronger bones and a more confident future together. 

References  

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