How to increase bone density

[Met00]

I found this on the NHS website today, more anecdotal evidence that it's possible to increase bone density through suitable diet, exercise and supplements: nhs.uk/Livewell/healthy-bon.... There's no mention of medication and an interesting train of referrals. I haven't been offered physiotherapy on the NHS and had never heard of Vitality classes, yet here they both are on the NHS website as though this is normal practice. Ammunition, I hope, for the next time I see my GP!

[May10]

Thanks. That was very interesting.

[Marziano]

Thank you. It does say " Vitality classes, which are run by the local authority with help from the NHS" So it probably depends on your local authority as well.

[Met00 in reply to Marziano]

Yes, I'm sure you're right Marziano. But if the NHS supports exercise classes in one part of the country, then surely it should be everywhere, even if not through the same provider, rather than the current postcode lottery.

[Kaarina in reply to Met00]

I tend to think it is also postcode lottery. I could find no "Vitality classes" in my area but we do have the Falls Prevention Clinic/Falls Prevention Service which is probably similar.

[Justme13 in reply to Met00]

Hi Met00

My experience includes Vitality and Physio, but via a different route. Not as straightforward. When I received my dexa report through the post, the letter said to phone the nurse if I had any questions. She just said I could access the Physio service if I wished. I phoned myself and was put on a waiting list for a Physio to come to my house to assess me. They also sent out booklet with exercises to do myself. No instructions. Also information on Vitality and Live Active, whereby Gp will refer you to adviser at local gym, who will devise programme e.g gym, Vitality, walking etc. Now, I waited 5 months for Physio, 3 months for Live active appointment, but did start Vitality. Physio put me on wait list for Hospital class.

So, I have been doing gym for about 4 months, my muscle mass and bone mass have increased, but gym contact is not OP trained. I also started Vitality, where instructor is OP trained. I have waited 3 months for Physio class and letter arrived last week to start 27 March. This is the basic Strength and Balance class to be done BEFORE Vitality class. So, all out of order. Was told by my Live Active gym contact the strength and balance class too easy for me.

I am plannng to find a private Physio to advise and supervise some exercises as it seems this is not available on NHS.

[Met00 in reply to Justme13]

Hello Justme13. I'd never heard of Vitality before and am fairly sure it isn't available in Northamptonshire. What part of the country do you live in and is Vitality provided free of charge?

[Justme13 in reply to Met00]

Hi Met00

See my reply to Kaarina. I did have to make a lot of enquiries and and am still researching. Wasn’t offered any information or referrals. I also tried yoga and body balance, but didn’t feel they were suitable for OP.

[Justme13 in reply to Met00]

Just to add.....local authority provides Vitality at a charge of about £3 I think. Walks are free. Swimming free for over 60s .

Monthly gym membership fee covers all of above. Via local authority.

[Fran57]

Hi. Thanks so much- always good to have some positive information!

Fran 😉

[Kaarina]

nhsggc.org.uk/about-us/prof... Looks like it is good news if you live in Greater Glasgow & Clyde