Every year on October 20th, the world comes together to mark World Osteoporosis Day. This is a time to raise awareness of one of the most under-recognised and under-treated global health issues: osteoporosis.

At goPhysio, we’re passionate about helping our local community in Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, Winchester and surrounding areas stay active, independent and strong for life. That’s why we’re highlighting this year’s campaign message:

“It’s Unacceptable! The Overlooked Crisis in Osteoporosis Prevention and Care.”

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis literally means “porous bone.” It’s a condition where bones lose density and strength, becoming more fragile and more likely to break. These breaks, known as fragility fractures, can happen from something as simple as a trip, stumble or small fall.

Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease” because most people don’t realise they have osteoporosis until they actually get a fracture. Unfortunately, these fractures can be life changing and lead to issues such as:

• Longstanding pain and long-term disability
• Loss of independence
• Increased risk of further fractures
• Even premature death in severe cases

The Global Crisis: Shocking Statistics

• Osteoporosis affects over 500 million people worldwide.
• 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over 50 will suffer with an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime.
• Up to 80% of people who get a fracture due to osteoporosis are never diagnosed or treated for the underlying condition.
• Every year, 37 million fragility fractures occur globally in people aged over 55. That’s 70 fractures every minute.
• In women, osteoporotic fractures are more common than breast cancer.
• In Europe alone, the disability caused by osteoporosis is greater than that from nearly all cancers (except lung cancer) and comparable to chronic diseases like arthritis, asthma, and heart disease.
• With the world’s population ageing rapidly, the number of hip fractures is projected to nearly double by 2050.

Why It’s Unacceptable

Despite the scale of the problem, osteoporosis remains seriously overlooked in healthcare systems worldwide. At a time when we understand more about bone health than ever before, we have the technology to identify risks early and we have proven treatments that can reduce fractures..…it’s simply unacceptable that so many people are still undiagnosed, untreated, and unsupported after suffering a fracture.

This lack of action means needless suffering, preventable fractures, and growing costs to families, communities, and the NHS. Every untreated patient is a missed opportunity to protect independence, mobility and quality of life.

At goPhysio, we believe bone health deserves far more attention – prevention, awareness, and early intervention can make a life-changing difference.

Prevention Starts Early

Strong bones don’t just happen later in life, they’re built and maintained over time. Prevention should start young and continue at every stage of life.

Eat well: A balanced, bone-healthy diet includes enough calcium, vitamin D, protein, and vitamin K. Children and teens need these nutrients to build strong bones. Postmenopausal women and older adults need extra calcium and vitamin D to slow bone loss. Most people can get what they need through diet, but supplements may help if intake or sunlight exposure is low.

Avoid bone-damaging habits: Smoking, excessive alcohol, and being underweight (BMI below 19) all increase osteoporosis risk.

Prevent falls: Simple steps like removing trip hazards, improving lighting, choosing sensible shoes and slippers and reviewing medications can reduce fracture risk.

Know your risks: If you’ve broken a bone after the age of 50 following a minor fall, ask your GP for an osteoporosis assessment. You can take the IOF Risk Check here.

Move Your Bones – The Power of Exercise

Just like muscles, bones get stronger when you use them! Exercise plays such an important role in both preventing and managing osteoporosis.

• The best exercises for bone health are weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening. Think lifting, pushing, running, jumping or stepping.
• Aim for 30–40 minutes, 3–4 times a week, combining impact and resistance-based activities.
• For people with osteoporosis, a targeted exercise plan that includes balance and posture work is especially important to help prevent falls and maintain confidence and independence.
• After a fracture, physiotherapy-led rehabilitation can reduce pain, restore your mobility, and help improve quality of life.

At goPhysio, our expert Physiotherapists and Pilates Instructors are trained to design safe, personalised exercise programmes that help you stay strong, steady, and independent, whatever your age or ability.

How goPhysio Helps

Through specialist physiotherapy, Reformer, Mat and Chair based Pilates, our specific exercise sessions for older people and strength-based exercise, we help our community in so many ways:

• Build stronger bones safely
• Improve posture and balance
• Reduce pain and stiffness
• Prevent falls and future fractures
• Restore confidence and independence after injury or diagnosis

Our mission at goPhysio is simple: to help you move better, feel stronger, and live life to the full.

Osteoporosis FAQs – Your Questions Answered

We often hear these questions from patients at goPhysio, so we’ve put together some quick answers to help you understand osteoporosis and how to protect your bones.

What exactly is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them more fragile and likely to break after even a minor fall or bump. It develops gradually and is often called the “silent disease” because most people don’t know they have it until they actually get a fracture.

Who is most at risk of osteoporosis? Osteoporosis can affect anyone, but it’s most common in:

• Women after menopause
• Men and women over 50
• Those with a family history of fractures
• People who smoke, drink heavily, or are underweight
• Individuals taking certain medications (like steroids) or living with long-term health conditions

Can exercise really help prevent osteoporosis? Yes! Exercise is one of the most powerful tools for protecting bone health. Weight-bearing and strength-based activities such as walking, running, resistance training, or Pilates can help build and maintain strong bones. If you already have osteoporosis, the right physiotherapy-led exercise programme can help you stay strong, improve balance, and reduce your risk of falls or fractures.

At goPhysio, our team creates safe, personalised exercise and Pilates plans for people at every stage of their bone health journey, that are tailored to you and your lifestyle.

What should I eat to keep my bones healthy? A bone-friendly diet includes:

• Calcium: from dairy, leafy greens, or fortified foods
• Vitamin D: from sunlight, eggs, and oily fish (or supplements if needed)
• Protein and Vitamin K: for bone and muscle repair

Keeping a balanced diet and healthy body weight is one of the key things you can do to protect your bones and overall wellbeing.

How can physiotherapy help if I have osteoporosis? Physiotherapy helps you stay active and safe by:

• Helping restore movement, mobility, independence, confidence and strength after a fracture
• Improving balance and coordination
• Reducing pain and stiffness
• Building confidence with guided, tailored exercise

At goPhysio, our specialist Physiotherapists and Pilates Instructors work closely with you to develop an individual plan that supports your goals and lifestyle.

When should I get checked for osteoporosis? If you’ve had a fracture after the age of 50 from a simple fall, or you have risk factors like menopause, family history, or long-term steroid use, it’s worth asking your GP for a DEXA scan. Early detection allows for effective prevention and treatment.

How can goPhysio help? At goPhysio in Chandler’s Ford, we support people of all ages with expert care focused on movement, strength, and prevention. Whether you want to:

• Build stronger bones through Reformer or Mat Pilates
• Manage pain and stiffness with physiotherapy
• Regain confidence after a fracture
• Or simply age well and stay active

We’re here to help you move better, feel stronger, and live life to the full.

#worldosteoporosisday #StepUpForBoneHealth