Beyond Bone Density: The Key to True Fracture Prevention
- osteostrongmissoul
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
By Rachel Ames, MPT, Owner and Operator OsteoStrong Missoula
Fracture prevention demands a holistic and comprehensive approach that optimizes the entire body’s performance. By improving muscle strength, stability, balance, and reaction time, we reduce the risk of falls and enhance the bone’s ability to absorb force. Additionally, the forces applied during OsteoStrong sessions stimulate cellular health, activating bone-building cells that improve both bone quality and density—something difficult for traditional exercise to achieve. Rather than fixating on a single number, let’s focus on what truly matters: developing a stronger, more resilient body with higher-quality bones, better posture, and improved balance. At OsteoStrong, we take a comprehensive approach to bone health by addressing not only bone density but also bone quality and overall body performance.
Stronger, Steadier, Safer: Why Strength and Balance Matter
Research shows that even a 10-20% increase in strength can significantly reduce fall risk, while balance training alone can decrease falls by up to 43%. Since 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls, improving both strength and balance is just as crucial—if not more so—than simply increasing BMD.
While traditional strength training typically results in a 30% increase in strength over a year, progress tends to plateau after the initial months. OsteoStrong delivers faster, more dramatic results, including:
77% improvement in balance in just five sessions (five weeks)
73% increase in strength over the course of a year
These remarkable results highlight why a comprehensive approach—focused on overall body resilience rather than just bone density—is key to preventing fractures and maintaining long-term health. Best of all, OsteoStrong delivers greater results in less time than traditional exercise, allowing you to do what you love more safely and easily. Learn more here.
Comprehensive Approach to Bone Health
At OsteoStrong, our proprietary SpectrumⓇ machines not only stimulate bone-building and muscle-strengthening in a unique way but also enhance balance, stability, and overall movement control—crucial factors in fall prevention. Our system accelerates a comprehensive approach to bone health in the following ways:
Osteogenic Loading: Each SpectrumⓇ machine utilizes a scientifically proven principle to stimulate bone growth and enhance bone strength (both quality and density). By reaching the required force threshold—also known as the 'growth trigger'—you activate bone cells, promoting the natural process of bone remodeling. Learn more here.
Neuromuscular Stimulation: This process begins with vibration therapy and is further enhanced by SpectrumⓇ, improving communication between the nervous system and muscles. As a result, the body more efficiently recruits muscle fibers, leading to better coordination, strength, balance, and reaction time. This accelerates progress, enhances stability, and improves the body's ability to respond to physical challenges—ultimately boosting your fitness results. Learn more here.
Eccentric Muscle Control: During your session, you receive guided coaching on controlled, slow movements with eccentric muscle control—where muscles lengthen while resisting force. This training enhances balance, force absorption, and reaction time. By engaging muscles in a controlled manner, your body improves its ability to stabilize, absorb impact, and protect joints. This ultimately enhances proprioception and improves reaction times, helping to prevent sudden, uncoordinated movements and reduce fall risk. Learn more here.
Biofeedback: SpectrumⓇ provides real-time feedback on muscle engagement and force, allowing users to adjust their technique for optimal bone-strengthening results. Seeing your performance on the screen motivates you to refine your movements, enhance muscle control, and ultimately improve bone health. Learn more here.
OsteoStrong’s holistic approach—combining osteogenic loading, neuromuscular stimulation, eccentric muscle control, and biofeedback—optimizes bone strength, muscle function, and stability. By targeting these key components, we enhance movement efficiency and reduce the risk of falls and fractures, empowering you with a stronger, more resilient body.
Bone Quality Matters: Understanding REMS vs DEXA
Bone density measures the amount of minerals in your bones, but bone quality is so much more. Research shows that even people with normal bone density can suffer fragility fractures if their bone quality is poor. Stiff, brittle bones are more prone to breaking, while slightly less dense but more flexible bones can be more resilient.
Bone quality is influenced by factors like:
Microarchitecture – the internal structure of your bones
Collagen integrity – flexibility and shock absorption
Microdamage repair ability – how well bones heal from tiny stress fractures
Bone turnover and remodeling balance – maintaining strong, healthy bone tissue
Bone mineral distribution – how minerals are spread throughout the bone
Traditional DEXA scans only measure density, missing these crucial elements. That’s why OsteoStrong uses Echolight REMS technology, providing a complete picture of both bone density and quality. This helps you better understand your fracture risk and make informed decisions about your bone health. Learn more about why REMS scanning matters, watch a demo, and schedule your assessment today here.
The Takeaway
True fracture prevention requires more than just denser bones—it demands a holistic approach that optimizes the entire body's performance. By improving your ability to absorb force, strength, stability, balance, and reaction time, we dramatically reduce the risk of falls—the primary cause of fractures. After all, if you’re not falling, you’re stronger and more stable, you’re far less likely to break a bone, regardless of bone density.
Citations:
Kraemer, W.J., & Ratamess, N.A. (2004). "Fundamentals of resistance training: progression and exercise prescription." Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 36(4), 674-688.
