We don’t often think about our bones until something goes wrong. They’re hidden under our skin and muscles, quietly doing their job of holding us up and keeping us moving. But bones are more than just the framework of our bodies. Just like muscles, bones need care to stay strong, which is why bone health is so important.
As we get older, bones naturally start to lose some of their strength. For women, this can happen faster after menopause due to changes in hormones. This bone loss is called osteoporosis. Unfortunately, most people with osteoporosis do not know they have it until they break a bone. A simple fall, or even lifting something heavy, can cause a fracture if bones are too thin. But bone health isn’t only a concern for older adults. Athletes, teens, and anyone recovering from an injury also need strong bones to stay active and healthy.
Therapy’s Role In Bone Health
Physical therapy focuses on exercise and movement that keep bones strong. Weight-bearing exercises—like walking, climbing stairs, or dancing—send signals to the bones that they need to stay dense and tough. Strength training, like lifting light weights or using resistance bands, makes muscles stronger, which helps protect bones. Therapists design safe and effective exercise plans for each person based on their needs. If someone has already had a fracture, physical therapy also helps them heal, regain strength, and lower the chance of another injury.
Occupational therapy looks at how people use their hands and upper extremity in everyday life and helps make those tasks safer/easier when bones are fragile. Simple activities like opening jars, turning a doorknob, or carrying groceries can put stress on weak bones in the hands and wrists. Hand therapists teach techniques that protect the joints and bones while still allowing independence. They may recommend adaptive tools, like jar openers or ergonomic pens, to reduce strain. Splints or braces can also provide extra support during daily activities. These strategies not only make tasks more manageable but also lower the risk of pain, injury, or fracture in the hands and wrists.
What Else Can Therapy Provide?
Posture and balance are also a big part of bone health. If your posture is poor, it puts stress on your spine and hips. Over time, this can lead to pain or injury. Therapists can teach exercises that strengthen your core and improve alignment, helping your body stay balanced and upright. Balance training, like practicing standing on one foot or moving slowly through controlled motions, helps prevent falls. Since many fractures happen because of falls, this training is one of the most important ways to protect bone health.
Therapists also talk with patients about lifestyle habits that affect bones. Eating enough calcium and vitamin D helps bones rebuild and stay strong. Smoking and drinking too much alcohol can weaken bones, so cutting back or quitting is a smart step. Getting outside in the sunlight, staying active, and following a healthy diet all play a role in keeping bones strong for life.
What Can You Do?
Strong bones are more than just a health goal—they allow us to live the lives we want. Whether it’s playing with kids, gardening, going for a walk, or just moving around the house without worry, bone health makes it possible. Both physical and occupational therapy give people the tools they need to build strength, improve safety, and stay independent.
The good news is that it’s never too late to start taking care of your bones. If you’re concerned about your bone health or want to learn ways to protect it, schedule an appointment with one of our therapists or visit the Bone Health Clinic at our sister company, Michigan Surgery Specialists.
