My PT said pool exercise was worthless

[Nuggie's Auntie]

Well, that's ridiculous.

I have read, however, that water exercise is not considered 'weight bearing' for bone density building, but it is hardly 'worthless.'

[LAC]

Originally Posted by Nuggie's Auntie

Well, that's ridiculous.

I have read, however, that water exercise is not considered 'weight bearing' for bone density building, but it is hardly 'worthless.'

Good points. I've read that swimmers have better balance and that swimming builds back and core muscles. These are things that are important in fending off falls and fractures in people with osteoporosis.

[carole r.]

Originally Posted by Nuggie's Auntie

Well, that's ridiculous.

I have read, however, that water exercise is not considered 'weight bearing' for bone density building, but it is hardly 'worthless.'

Well, it may not be weight bearing, but the resistance of the water does build muscle, and therefore, bone density as well. Again, just look at swimmers, divers, synchronized swimmers, water polo players…. 🤽They don’t look frail to me, and I don’t think that they are more prone to bone fractures.

[donellda]

I agree that you should find a new personal trainer. I am a personal trainer and water workouts are great for resistance training. When I did my own training to be a personal trainer, I found that the emphasis was on strength training with weights but I was a fitness instructor before I became a trainer and found that strength training can be done with resistance bands, body weight and water workouts along with weights. I balance of all of these is great.

[monterey vidiot]

My thyroid doc told me that working out with weights would have no effect on strengthening my bones, I just had to walk. I don't believe him, but a thyroid doc who takes medicare is hard to find around here.

[Jennifer R]

Yeah, kick that PT to the curb. Any therapist that would make a blanket statement like that is talking out of their ass. the benefits of pool exercise are extremely well documented, and, as others have said, look at swimmers.

I've been using the pool as an integral part of rehab for my shoulder replacement as soon as the incision was healed completely. It has the total support of my PT team, and they're happy with my progress. Plus I do my water aerobics routines as well, I guarantee that's good cardio, especially when it's hot.

[TinaT]

Years ago, I took several classes with the Y that did workouts in the "lazy river" I had such major DOMS after running against the current. I loved water workouts. We just dont live near the Y anymore, so I had to give it up.

It really does work the muscles differently and takes so much of the impact off the joints. I think it's wonderful and I miss it.

[Nuggie's Auntie]

Originally Posted by LAC

Good points. I've read that swimmers have better balance and that swimming builds back and core muscles. These are things that are important in fending off falls and fractures in people with osteoporosis.

Originally Posted by carole r.

Well, it may not be weight bearing, but the resistance of the water does build muscle, and therefore, bone density as well. Again, just look at swimmers, divers, synchronized swimmers, water polo players…. 🤽They don’t look frail to me, and I don’t think that they are more prone to bone fractures.

Swimming is--no doubt--great exercise with many, many benefits. All I'm saying is that building bone density may not one of those benefits.

That said, I was just diagnosed with osteopenia--on the cusp of osteoporosis . I have done weight bearing exercise all my life and eaten a pretty nutritious diet. I just went to see a menopause specialist and she told me osteoporosis is largely genetic, so even if you have been doing 'all the right things,' it still might not be enough to avoid it. Which sucks. I feel cheated!

[Vantreesta]

Originally Posted by Nuggie's Auntie

Swimming is--no doubt--great exercise with many, many benefits. All I'm saying is that building bone density may not one of those benefits.

That said, I was just diagnosed with osteopenia--on the cusp of osteoporosis . I have done weight bearing exercise all my life and eaten a pretty nutritious diet. I just went to see a menopause specialist and she told me osteoporosis is largely genetic, so even if you have been doing 'all the right things,' it still might not be enough to avoid it. Which sucks. I feel cheated!

Oh no, I don't like hearing that! Both my grandmas were diagnosed with osteoporosis and my very active aunt was recently told she has osteopenia. I feel like walking every day, running, jumping rope and lifting weights should be enough for me not to face that diagnosis but sounds like maybe not!

[Nuggie's Auntie]

Originally Posted by Vantreesta

Oh no, I don't like hearing that! Both my grandmas were diagnosed with osteoporosis and my very active aunt was recently told she has osteopenia. I feel like walking every day, running, jumping rope and lifting weights should be enough for me not to face that diagnosis but sounds like maybe not!

I agree, it's very discouraging. I am by no means frail, too. But I went through menopause last summer and the drop in estrogen is problematic for many things including bone density. I will be starting bio-identical hormone replacement and hopefully that will arrest any further decline.

I'm just thankful I brought up a DEXA scan in my last doctor's visit. I was concerned because, in addition to menopause, I broke my collarbone last summer. I tripped and fell and really shattered the bone. It took a long time to heal, so that really worried me. My mom had osteoporosis, but she was very sedentary. I thought my lifelong devotion to fitness would help me avoid this, but apparently not.