According to the National Institute of Health, 40 million Americans either have osteoporosis or are at high risk due to low bone density.  Osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures annually, including:

  • 300,000 hip fractures
  • 700,000 vertebral (spinal) fractures
  • 250,000 wrist fractures
  • More than 300,000 fractures in other bones.

The most serious consequences of osteoporosis are hip fractures.  In the USA, more than 250,000 hip fractures a year are due to osteoporosis.[73] A 50-year-old white woman is estimated to have a 17.5% lifetime risk of fracture of the proximal femur.  Hip fractures can lead to decreased mobility and additional risks of numerous complications including deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia.  13.5% of patients die within six months following a hip fracture, and almost 13% of people who have suffered a hip fracture need total assistance afterward. Vertebral fractures, while having a smaller impact on mortality, can lead to severe chronic neurogenic pain which is difficult to control. What can we do to prevent this?  Nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle changes (such as limiting alcohol intake) are the main recommendations.  There are controversial medications which increase bone density, but with the risk of serious side effects. Ruthy Alon, an Israeli movement educator who was a student of the late Moshe Feldenkrais, was diagnosed with osteoporosis.  She researched this subject, especially the research done by NASA regarding prevention and cure of bone loss in astronauts.  She found interesting and unexpected information.  For example, small vibrations have been shown to increase bone density.  And curiously, light pressure is more effective than heavy pressure for stimulating bone growth! Based on this, she created Bones For Life®, a natural movement-based alternative for improving overall skeletal health and preventing osteoporosis.  BFL uses movement, as well as self-massage and self-tapotement, to stimulate bone in ways that promote the maintenance and increase of healthy bone mass. Emphasis is on developing good posture and body mechanics, with movement and effort proportionally distributed throughout skeleton. This reduces possibility of injury, as well as creating body mechanics which lead to stimulation of the bone in everyday activity. Introductory Bones for Life® classes will be taught by Ann Harman, L.M.T., Certified Bones for Life® teacher, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner®, and retired osteopathic physician, on May 4 and August 17.  We will learn a variety of processes to promote skeletal health, including exercise sequences, self-massage, and self-tapotement techniques. There will be a demonstration showing how to integrate some of these techniques and concepts into a massage practice. You will receive 6 Florida and NCBTMB CE hours.