• $169.99

Building Better Bones

  • Course
  • 187 Lessons


Since its launch in 2007, over 12,000 Physical Therapists (Physiotherapists) have completed Building Better Bones.

This 2022 edition of Building Better Bones is newly updated with the latest research and developments in bone health.

At the end of this course you will have the knowledge you need to help individuals with osteoporosis, osteopenia and low bone density build better bones.

Only licensed health professionals can purchase access to this course. Please Contact Us if you wish to purchase.

What Professionals Are Saying

Building Better Bones has inspired me to become more involved in the area of Osteoporosis. Margaret is extremely knowledgeable about Osteoporosis and an excellent instructor.

Sherri Hayes, Physiotherapist, Active Body Physical Therapy, Ontario

Building Better Bones is an evidence-based approach to teaching your clients postural, strength, cardio, flexibility, and balance exercises tailored to their level of fitness and fracture risk.

Holly Bonasera, MPT, GCFP, Licensed Physical Therapist, Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, Nebraska

Building Better Bones was exceptional — both for me as someone with Osteoporosis and as a Health Care Professional who treats clients with Osteoporosis.

Alison Krausen, Occupational Therapist, Genesis Rehab Services, Pennsylvania

Building Better Bones should be a mandatory part of all Physical Therapy training.

Karen Ginsburg, Physiotherapist, Community Rehab Therapy, Ontario

Building Better Bones is a firm foundation in understanding osteoporosis, as well as a practical approach to dealing with patients. It included everything from testing seniors' fitness levels through to exercises for posture, flexibility, balance and strength.

Colleen MacDonald, Physical Therapist, Misericordia Hospital, Alberta

Building Better Bones and the Margaret's website have both been great resources that I find simplifies my approach to providing safe and appropriate exercises for the variety of patients that I treat.

Justin Mathew, BSc PT, Registered Physiotherapist, Bronte Physiotherapy, Ontario

Contents

Course Introduction and Welcome

Welcome to Building Better Bones. This course is designed for health professionals who treat individuals with osteoporosis, osteopenia or low bone density.
Introduction to Building Better Bones
  • 3 mins
  • 236 MB
Preview
Meet Your Instructor
  • 3 mins
  • 219 MB
Preview
About Margaret Martin
    Preview
    Course Objectives
      Preview
      Copyrighted Material Notice

        Fundamentals of Osteoporosis

        Introduction to Definitions and Consequences
        • 1 min
        • 78.5 MB
        Preview
        Definitions
        • 33 mins
        • 326 MB
        Consequences
        • 12 mins
        • 122 MB
        Introduction to Bone Physiology
        • 1 min
        • 63.6 MB
        Preview
        Bone Physiology Overview
        • 14 mins
        • 144 MB
        Introduction to Testing Bone Density and Quality
        • 1 min
        • 57.8 MB
        Preview
        Testing Bone Density and Bone Quality
        • 13 mins
        • 67.9 MB
        Bone Quality and Osteoporosis
          DEXA Guide
            Introduction to Risk Factors
            • 2 mins
            • 110 MB
            Preview
            Risk Factors
            • 15 mins
            • 139 MB
            Risk Factors: Medications and Medical Conditions
            • 72.6 KB
            Introduction to Effect of Exercise on Bone
            • 1 min
            • 53.2 MB
            Preview
            Effect of Exercise on Bone • Part A
            • 23 mins
            • 119 MB
            Effect of Exercise on Bone • Part B
            • 25 mins
            • 127 MB
            Whole Body Vibration Therapy for Osteoporosis and Bone Density
              High Intensity Whole Body Vibration
              • 20 mins
              • 1.53 GB
              Low Intensity Whole Body Vibration
              • 52 mins
              • 4.21 GB
              Low Intensity Vibration: Q&A Part A
              • 46 mins
              • 4.4 GB
              Low Intensity Vibration: Q&A Part B
              • 40 mins
              • 3.55 GB
              The LIFTMOR Exercise Study
              • 5 mins
              • 456 MB
              Introduction to Nutrition for Bone Health
              • 1 min
              • 34.1 MB
              Preview
              Nutrition and Bone Health • Part 1
              • 26 mins
              • 349 MB
              Nutrition and Bone Health • Part 2
              • 21 mins
              • 248 MB
              Nutrition and Bone Health • Part 3
              • 26 mins
              • 358 MB
              The Gut Microbiome
              • 17 mins
              • 1.23 GB
              Building a Healthy Microbiome
              • 29 mins
              • 2.15 GB
              How Medications Affect the Microbiome
              • 23 mins
              • 1.62 GB
              Nutrition for Bone Health
                Calcium Supplements for Osteoporosis
                  Can Probiotics Stop Bone Loss? [Blog Post]
                    Vitamin K2 for Osteoporosis
                      Prunes and Osteoporosis
                        Diet Plan for Osteoporosis
                          Introduction to Pharmaceutical Intervention
                          • 1 min
                          • 43 MB
                          Preview
                          Pharmaceutical Intervention for Professionals
                          • 25 mins
                          • 278 MB
                          Pharmaceutical References
                            Prolia
                              Bisphosphonates
                                Hormone Replacement Therapy

                                  Assessment and Senior Fitness Test

                                  Introduction to Assessment
                                  • 1 min
                                  • 36.9 MB
                                  Preview
                                  Assessment and Senior Fitness Test
                                  • 11 mins
                                  • 46.4 MB
                                  Senior Fitness Test Application • 65 Year Old
                                  • 12 mins
                                  • 322 MB
                                  Senior Fitness Test Application • 85 Year Old
                                  • 9 mins
                                  • 230 MB

                                  Exercise Preparation and Safety Tips

                                  Introduction to Exercise Safety Tips
                                  • 1 min
                                  • 30 MB
                                  Preview
                                  Posture in Standing Exercise
                                  • 6 mins
                                  • 616 MB
                                  Posture in Sitting
                                  • 9 mins
                                  • 870 MB
                                  Diaphragmatic Breathing
                                  • 9 mins
                                  • 942 MB
                                  How to Integrate Deep Abdominal Muscles Into Your Breathing
                                  • 9 mins
                                  • 926 MB
                                  Find Your Neutral Pelvic Position
                                  • 9 mins
                                  • 968 MB
                                  Find Your Neutral Shoulder Position
                                  • 11 mins
                                  • 1.09 GB
                                  Find Your Neutral Head and Tongue Position
                                  • 12 mins
                                  • 1.26 GB
                                  How to Wrap a Rope Around the Foot
                                  • 1 min
                                  • 12 MB
                                  Safely Using a Physio Ball
                                  • 2 mins
                                  • 31.1 MB
                                  How to Wrap the Theraband
                                  • 2 mins
                                  • 32.1 MB
                                  Body Mechanics Training for Clients
                                  • 7 mins
                                  • 244 MB
                                  Diaphragmatic Breathing
                                  • 3 mins
                                  • 54.1 MB

                                  Exercise Schedules by Level

                                  Note on Exercise Schedules
                                    Beginner 3 Day a Week
                                    • 7.54 MB
                                    Active 3 Day a Week
                                    • 7.55 MB
                                    Athletic 3 Day a Week
                                    • 7.55 MB
                                    Elite 3 Day a Week
                                    • 7.53 MB
                                    Beginner 6 Day a Week
                                    • 7.64 MB
                                    Active 6 Day a Week
                                    • 7.68 MB
                                    Athletic 6 Day a Week
                                    • 7.68 MB
                                    Elite 6 Day a Week
                                    • 7.64 MB

                                    Fall Prevention

                                    Introduction to Fall Prevention
                                    • 1 min
                                    • 43.3 MB
                                    Preview
                                    Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale
                                    • 9 mins
                                    • 213 MB
                                    Fall Prevention and Balance Testing
                                    • 20 mins
                                    • 109 MB
                                    Balance Exercise Application
                                    • 3 mins
                                    • 78 MB
                                    How to Choose the Right Balance Exercise
                                    • 7 mins
                                    • 664 MB
                                    Foot Positioning Tips
                                    • 10 mins
                                    • 1.02 GB
                                    Foot and Ankle Self-Massage and Stretch
                                    • 18 mins
                                    • 1.86 GB

                                    Beginner and Active Balance

                                    Balance Variations
                                    • 5 mins
                                    • 156 MB
                                    Physio Ball Balance Exercise
                                    • 2 mins
                                    • 56.3 MB
                                    Rehabilitative Balance Exercises in Standing Position
                                    • 14 mins
                                    • 1.48 GB
                                    Rehabilitative Balance Exercises Against the Wall
                                    • 6 mins
                                    • 592 MB
                                    Beginner Balance Exercises in Standing Position
                                    • 20 mins
                                    • 2.12 GB
                                    Beginner: How to Modify Your Stance
                                    • 3 mins
                                    • 234 MB
                                    Active Balance Exercises in Static Position
                                    • 14 mins
                                    • 1.49 GB
                                    Active Balance Exercises with Walking and Turning
                                    • 13 mins
                                    • 1.3 GB
                                    Balance and Fall Prevention Exercise Resources

                                      Posture Analysis Retraining

                                      Introduction to Posture Analysis Retraining
                                      • 1 min
                                      • 42.2 MB
                                      Preview
                                      Posture Assessment
                                      • 5 mins
                                      • 437 MB
                                      Posture Assessment and Cuing
                                      • 14 mins
                                      • 67.6 MB
                                      Flexicurve Demonstration
                                      • 6 mins
                                      • 145 MB
                                      Improving Postural Alignment • Tips
                                      • 11 mins
                                      • 358 MB
                                      Posture Exercises • Application
                                      • 19 mins
                                      • 285 MB
                                      Posture Improvement Resources

                                        Core Exercise Theory

                                        Introduction to Core Exercise Theory
                                        • 1 min
                                        • 53.2 MB
                                        Preview
                                        Application of Core Exercises Theory • Part A
                                        • 6 mins
                                        • 25.2 MB
                                        Beginner and Active Core Exercises Demonstration • Part B
                                        • 18 mins
                                        • 575 MB
                                        Core Exercise Resources

                                          Flexibility Theory and Exercises

                                          Introduction to Flexibility Theory and Exercises
                                          • 1 min
                                          • 42.6 MB
                                          Preview
                                          Safe and Effective Flexibility Exercises
                                          • 7 mins
                                          • 33.5 MB
                                          Active or Static Stretching
                                          • 4 mins
                                          • 67.2 MB
                                          Quadricep Stretch in Standing
                                          • 3 mins
                                          • 65.6 MB
                                          Quadricep Stretch on Stomach
                                          • 5 mins
                                          • 113 MB
                                          Quadricep Stretch on Side
                                          • 3 mins
                                          • 83.7 MB
                                          Calf Stretch
                                          • 3 mins
                                          • 55.2 MB
                                          Lower Hamstring Stretch
                                          • 3 mins
                                          • 67.5 MB
                                          Upper Hamstring Stretch
                                          • 3 mins
                                          • 83.9 MB
                                          Iliopsoas Stretch in Kneeling
                                          • 2 mins
                                          • 52 MB
                                          Iliopsoas Stretch in Standing
                                          • 2 mins
                                          • 37.5 MB
                                          Chest Stretch in Doorway
                                          • 3 mins
                                          • 84.3 MB
                                          Ankle Stretch
                                          • 2 mins
                                          • 40 MB
                                          Lat Stretch
                                          • 2 mins
                                          • 53.5 MB
                                          Inner Thigh Stretch with Bent Knees
                                          • 2 mins
                                          • 42.2 MB
                                          Inner Thigh Stretch with Straight Knees
                                          • 2 mins
                                          • 56 MB
                                          Hip Rotator Stretch
                                          • 3 mins
                                          • 59.4 MB
                                          Spinal Stretch
                                          • 2 mins
                                          • 57.6 MB
                                          Flexibility Exercises Resources

                                            Weight Bearing and Cardiovascular Exercise

                                            Introduction to Weight Bearing and Cardiovascular
                                            • 1 min
                                            • 48 MB
                                            Preview
                                            Weight Bearing Application
                                            • 2 mins
                                            • 50.9 MB
                                            Running and Osteoporosis
                                              Guide to Nordic Walking
                                                Weight Bearing Considerations
                                                • 8 mins
                                                • 37.1 MB
                                                Weight Bearing Aerobic Exercises Resources

                                                  Contraindicated Exercises

                                                  Contraindicated Exercises
                                                  • 5 mins
                                                  • 28 MB
                                                  Ten Exercises to Avoid if You Have Osteoporosis

                                                    Vertebral Fracture Management

                                                    Introduction to Vertebral Fracture Management
                                                    • 1 min
                                                    • 53.8 MB
                                                    Preview
                                                    Vertebral Fracture Management
                                                    • 27 mins
                                                    • 153 MB
                                                    How to Use FRAX
                                                    • 13 mins
                                                    • 587 MB
                                                    FRAX Score Interpretation
                                                      How to Treat a Compression Fracture

                                                        Beginner and Active Strength Theory

                                                        Strength Training for Beginner and Active Levels
                                                        • 12 mins
                                                        • 61.5 MB
                                                        Beginner Strength Application
                                                        • 7 mins
                                                        • 181 MB

                                                        Beginner and Active Warmups

                                                        Beginner Energy Tree
                                                        • 3 mins
                                                        • 266 MB
                                                        Beginner Curtsey Lunge
                                                        • 3 mins
                                                        • 327 MB
                                                        Beginner Marching
                                                        • 3 mins
                                                        • 291 MB
                                                        Active Energy Tree
                                                        • 3 mins
                                                        • 257 MB
                                                        Preview
                                                        Active Curtsey Lunge
                                                        • 2 mins
                                                        • 179 MB
                                                        Active Marching
                                                        • 2 mins
                                                        • 142 MB
                                                        Marching for Beginner and Active • Professional Tip
                                                        • 2 mins
                                                        • 43 MB

                                                        Beginner Strength Exercises

                                                        Wall and Ball Squats
                                                        • 6 mins
                                                        • 637 MB
                                                        Preview
                                                        Wall and Ball Squats • Professional Tip
                                                        • 2 mins
                                                        • 25.3 MB
                                                        Reverse Fly
                                                        • 4 mins
                                                        • 344 MB
                                                        Reverse Lunge Between Chairs
                                                        • 6 mins
                                                        • 594 MB
                                                        Horse Stance Vertical
                                                        • 6 mins
                                                        • 620 MB
                                                        Bridging
                                                        • 6 mins
                                                        • 643 MB
                                                        Bow and Arrow
                                                        • 4 mins
                                                        • 337 MB
                                                        Bow and Arrow • Professional Tip
                                                        • 2 mins
                                                        • 43 MB
                                                        Alternating Leg Lifts in Prone
                                                        • 8 mins
                                                        • 834 MB
                                                        Side Lying Leg Lifts
                                                        • 10 mins
                                                        • 1010 MB
                                                        Side Lying Leg Lifts • Professional Tip
                                                        • 2 mins
                                                        • 1.02 GB
                                                        Angels in the Snow
                                                        • 6 mins
                                                        • 640 MB
                                                        Wall Pushup
                                                        • 12 mins
                                                        • 1.25 GB
                                                        Standing Biceps Curl
                                                        • 4 mins
                                                        • 328 MB
                                                        Triceps Extension from the Floor
                                                        • 5 mins
                                                        • 438 MB
                                                        Heel Drops
                                                        • 5 mins
                                                        • 447 MB
                                                        Modified Heel Drops (Integrated into 8 Brocade)
                                                        • 6 mins
                                                        • 614 MB
                                                        Abdominal Activation
                                                        • 9 mins
                                                        • 869 MB

                                                        Active Strength Exercises

                                                        Chair Squats
                                                        • 5 mins
                                                        • 505 MB
                                                        Preview
                                                        Floor M
                                                        • 4 mins
                                                        • 102 MB
                                                        Forward Lunge
                                                        • 5 mins
                                                        • 502 MB
                                                        Forward Lunge • Professional Tip
                                                        • 4 mins
                                                        • 105 MB
                                                        Horse Stance Horizontal
                                                        • 5 mins
                                                        • 468 MB
                                                        Bridging with Weight on Pelvis
                                                        • 5 mins
                                                        • 490 MB
                                                        Row with Support
                                                        • 4 mins
                                                        • 381 MB
                                                        Hip Raises with Feet on Chair
                                                        • 4 mins
                                                        • 402 MB
                                                        Side Lying Leg Lift with Weight
                                                        • 7 mins
                                                        • 736 MB
                                                        Pullovers from Floor
                                                        • 4 mins
                                                        • 368 MB
                                                        Step Push Up
                                                        • 4 mins
                                                        • 408 MB
                                                        Step Push Up • Professional Tip
                                                        • 2 mins
                                                        • 19.7 MB
                                                        Alternating Bicep Curls in Standing
                                                        • 4 mins
                                                        • 331 MB
                                                        Triceps Extension
                                                        • 5 mins
                                                        • 439 MB
                                                        Step Ups
                                                        • 5 mins
                                                        • 478 MB
                                                        Abdominal Activation with Leg Drop
                                                        • 5 mins
                                                        • 511 MB

                                                        Osteoporosis in Special Populations

                                                        Osteoporosis in Special Populations
                                                        • 18 mins
                                                        • 98.4 MB

                                                        Tai Chi

                                                        Tai Chi Theory
                                                        • 8 mins
                                                        • 35.4 MB
                                                        Tai Chi for Osteoporosis Demonstration
                                                        • 11 mins
                                                        • 355 MB

                                                        Resources You Can Use

                                                        Introduction to Resources
                                                        • 1 min
                                                        • 64.2 MB
                                                        Preview
                                                        Recommended Resources
                                                          Preview
                                                          Osteoporosis Exercise Programs
                                                            Preview
                                                            Postural Improvement
                                                              Preview
                                                              Balance and Fall Prevention Exercises
                                                                Preview
                                                                Weight Bearing Aerobic Exercises
                                                                  Preview
                                                                  Flexibility Exercise Routines
                                                                    Preview
                                                                    Yoga and Osteoporosis
                                                                      Preview
                                                                      Core Exercise Program
                                                                        Preview
                                                                        Activities of Daily Living Guide
                                                                        • 417 KB

                                                                        Course Conclusion

                                                                        Conclusion, Thank You and Goodbye
                                                                        • 1 min
                                                                        • 42.9 MB

                                                                        What You Get

                                                                        Every day in the United States, 10,000 people turn 65, and the number of older adults will more than double over the next several decades and represent over 20 percent of the population by 2050. (Source: AARP.)

                                                                        An aging population means increased demand for health and fitness professionals able to treat clients concerned with their bone health. This course trains you to meet that need.

                                                                        Over 12,000 Physical Therapists and Fitness Professionals across the United States and Canada have completed Building Better Bones! Join this community and start serving this important and growing audience.

                                                                        Course Objectives
                                                                        By the end of Building Better Bones, you will be able to:

                                                                        1. Describe the medical management of osteoporosis, including recognition of risk factors, interpretation of medical test results, use of medications, as well as other conditions that impact bone health. 

                                                                        2. Describe the management of vertebral compression fractures and how the utilization of proper body mechanics and stronger back extensor mechanics decreases the risk of fracture.

                                                                        3. Administer the Senior Fitness Test and use the results to develop and implement a safe and effective exercise program for Beginner and Active patients incorporating a multi-modal approach appropriate to the patient's fracture risk.

                                                                        Who Should Take This Course
                                                                        This course is for Physical Therapists, Physiotherapists, PTAs, Kinesiologists, Certified Exercise Physiologists, and Certified Fitness Professionals.

                                                                        Course Structure
                                                                        This course is divided into 20 comprehensive sections to make sure you get the smoothest learning experience possible. We start with the fundamentals and from there deliver the tools you need to work with patients and clients concerned about their bone health.

                                                                        1. Fundamentals of Osteoporosis - Key fundamentals you should understand about bone health, including bone physiology, risk factors, effects of exercise on bone health, nutrition, pharmaceutical intervention, and hormone replacement therapy.

                                                                        2. Assessment - How to assess your patient/client.

                                                                        3. Exercise Preparation and Safety Tips - Tips on how to exercise safely.

                                                                        4. Exercise Schedules - Recommended exercise schedules by level.

                                                                        5. Fall Prevention - How to test balance and reduce fall risk. 

                                                                        6. Beginner and Active Balance - Recommended balance exercises for Beginner and Active levels.

                                                                        7. Posture Analysis Retraining - How to assess posture.

                                                                        8. Core Exercises - Core exercise theory and bone health.

                                                                        9. Flexibility Theory - Flexibility fundamentals you need to know.

                                                                        10. Flexibility Exercises - Recommended flexibility exercises.

                                                                        11. Weight Bearing and Cardiovascular Exercise - How weight bearing exercise affects bone health.

                                                                        12. Alternative Approaches - Alternative approaches to bone building.

                                                                        13. Contraindicated Exercises - Exercises and movements to avoid.

                                                                        14. Vertebral Fracture Management - How to assess and treat compression fractures.

                                                                        15. Beginner and Active Strength Theory - The role of strength training in bone health.

                                                                        16. Beginner and Active Warmups - Warmup exercises for Beginner and Active levels.

                                                                        17. Beginner Strength Exercises - Recommended strength exercises for Beginner level.

                                                                        18. Active Strength Exercises - Recommended strength exercises for Active level.

                                                                        19. Osteoporosis in Special Populations - How osteoporosis affects special populations.

                                                                        20. Tai Chi - Tai Chi theory and routine for bone health.

                                                                        FAQs

                                                                        How long can I access the course?

                                                                        Once you buy the course, you’ll have lifetime access to all of its content.

                                                                        Is this a subscription service? Will I have to pay an ongoing fee?

                                                                        There is no ongoing fee. Once you purchase the course, you can access it at anytime for as long as you like.

                                                                        Do you offer discounts for groups of professions in the same clinic or club?

                                                                        Yes, we do. Please contact Richard on our Contact page and let him know your situation. He will get back to you with pricing that meets your needs.

                                                                        Is this the same course as the one you did for MedBridge Education?

                                                                        Yes, it is. However, we have updated many of the sections to make the content more current and we have added new sections and resources.

                                                                        Is the purchase price in U.S. dollars?

                                                                        Yes.

                                                                        Can I purchase it in my local currency?

                                                                        No. The course purchase price is denominated in U.S. dollars only.

                                                                        Can I look at individual course lectures multiple times?

                                                                        You can look at the individual lessons as often as you want to.

                                                                        What if I am unhappy with the course?

                                                                        If the course doesn't live up to your expectations, I'll provide a full refund within 14 days from purchase as long as you provide me with feedback for how I can improve the course. 

                                                                        When does the course start and finish?

                                                                        When you enrol, you get immediate access to the entire collection of videos and worksheets. It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.

                                                                        Who can I contact if I still have questions?

                                                                        If you still have questions after reading this page, feel free to reach out to Richard on our Contact page.

                                                                        Can I get CEUs for my professional association?

                                                                        We do not offer CEUs, however, we will issue a certificate of completion stating the number of study hours that you can present to your governing body.

                                                                        Margaret Martin

                                                                        I am a Physical Therapist with over 38 years of clinical experience helping people achieve their health goals, stay strong and age well. 

                                                                        I am the author of three books (including an Amazon bestseller) on exercise and bone health. I have also produced numerous home workout videos and courses for patients and health professionals.

                                                                        My Physical Therapy clinic in Ottawa is focussed on bone health, osteoporosis, and exercise for successful aging.

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