An osteoporosis physical therapy visit is an opportunity to turn general exercise advice into decisions about your own movement. Prepare a short note about your history, current activities and goals. The checklist below is a conversation aid; the therapist decides what assessment and treatment are appropriate.
What should I bring?
- Your most recent DXA report, and earlier reports if available—not just the T-score you remember.
- A list of fractures, approximate dates and any current healing restrictions.
- Your medicine and supplement list, along with relevant advice from your treating clinician.
- Notes about falls, near-falls, pain or activities you have stopped doing.
- Your current exercise routine and a list or photos of equipment you already own.
- One or two goals in your own words, such as carrying groceries or returning to a class.
Ask for answers you can use at home
| Question | What to record |
|---|---|
| Which movements should I start with? | Exercise names, variations and a demonstration you understand |
| How much should I do? | Agreed load, repetitions, sets, frequency and rest |
| How do I know when to change it? | Specific progression and pause criteria |
| What if I miss sessions or my health changes? | Who to contact and how to restart |
| Which sessions need supervision? | Who supervises, where, and whether it is included in the price |
Before leaving, explain the plan back in your own words. Ask to practise the setup while the therapist watches. If you cannot remember an instruction, say so: it is easier to clarify during the visit than to guess later. Ask permission before making a personal recording.
How do I find someone with relevant experience?
The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation provides a healthcare professional directory and points readers to a separate Bone Fit exercise-professional locator. A directory listing is a starting point for questions, not a guarantee of fit. Ask about professional licensure where applicable, osteoporosis experience, fracture rehabilitation and the scope of the service. See how to compare exercise support.
What if I have had a spinal fracture?
Tell the service before the appointment and bring any restrictions or follow-up instructions. Rehabilitation after a broken bone may involve physical or occupational therapy and other members of your care team. Do not use this checklist or a general class as clearance to resume loading. Our spinal compression fracture guide explains questions to discuss.
Make a one-page follow-up note
Copy these headings into a notebook: My agreed exercises; My precautions; When to pause; When to progress; Next appointment; Contact for questions. Put unanswered questions at the top. Use the free training log between visits so the next conversation includes what you actually completed.