Building Bone Density After an Osteoporosis Diagnosis

At the Portland Clinic of Holistic Health, we believe the body has an incredible capacity to heal and rebuild when given the right support.

One of the most common concerns we see in women over 60 is osteoporosis—a condition where bones become weak, brittle, and more susceptible to fractures. While conventional care often focuses on medications, many patients seek natural, supportive options to help strengthen bones and improve long-term health.

Today, we’re sharing the inspiring story of a 74-year-old woman who made measurable, meaningful progress in her bone density through a personalized natural treatment plan.

A Concerning Osteoporosis Diagnosis

In 2018, this patient was diagnosed with osteoporosis after a routine DEXA scan revealed significantly decreased bone density.

By 2020, when she began care with us, her results showed:

• Hip T-score: -3.3
  This falls within the osteoporosis range and indicates a high fracture risk.
• Lumbar Spine T-score: -2.8
  Also within the osteoporosis range.

At that point, she was looking for a natural, proactive way to support her bones and reduce the likelihood of future fractures.

A Natural Approach to Building Stronger Bones

At Portland Clinic of Holistic Health, we created a personalized treatment protocol focused on nourishing the body and supporting healthy bone remodeling.

Conventional treatment of osteoporosis focuses on drugs that slow down bone resorption - leaving older bone that would usually have been recycled with age as it weakens.  

Natural treatment however is targeted on improving new healthy bone tissue development.  The two approaches are not antagonistic and in fact the natural approach can be used alongside conventional treatments.  It is not one or the other and we believe the natural approach should be used as a foundational approach regardless.  

In this case the patient wanted to avoid the risks associated with the conventional drugs (older bone pathological fractures for example).  We proceeded with the understanding to monitor her progress to confirm benefit.

Her program included:

Specific Nutrient Complexes

Bones require more than just calcium.

Her protocol included carefully selected nutrient complexes designed to support:

• calcium absorption
• bone mineralization
• collagen production
• healthy hormonal balance
• overall skeletal strength

These often include nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin K, trace minerals, and other targeted compounds.

Herbal Support

Specific herbs were incorporated regularly to help support:

• nutrient absorption
• circulation
• inflammation balance
• overall metabolic health

Herbal medicine can be an important part of a holistic bone health strategy.

Physical Support through Bio-Thermal Therapy ®

Specialized naturopathic physiotherapy treatments that were targeted to improve digestion for nutrient absorption as well as improved circulation through the low back and long bones of the leg to build bone density.

Regular treatments were taken typically twice monthly though extended periods of travel did occur periodically. 

Monitoring Progress Every Step of the Way

One of the most important aspects of treatment is tracking results.

Periodic DEXA Bone Density Testing

DEXA scans provide the gold standard measurement of bone mineral density and allow us to monitor long-term structural improvement.

Non-Invasive Urine Testing for Bone Turnover Markers

In between DEXA scans, we monitored her progress using non-invasive urine testing markers of bone turnover.

These tests can help us understand:

• how quickly bone is breaking down
• how effectively new bone is being built
• whether the protocol is working
• when adjustments are needed

This allows us to personalize treatment in real time.

The Results: Significant Improvement in Bone Density

Her most recent DEXA scan revealed impressive gains.

Hip T-Score Improvement

She improved from:

-3.3 → -2.2

This means her diagnosis improved from osteoporosis to osteopenia.

That is a significant increase in bone density and a meaningful reduction in fracture risk.

Lumbar Spine Improvement

She improved from:

-2.8 → -2.2

This also represents a shift from osteoporosis to osteopenia. We will continue to treat her to work to build the bone safely.

Improved spinal bone density can reduce the risk of painful vertebral compression fractures and improve long-term mobility and quality of life.

ANOTHER PATIENT
A different patient , a 69 year old woman, had a Dexa bone scan that showed osteopenia that in two years showed a shift from osteopenia to normal bone.

Femoral Neck -1.5 (osteopenia) to -0.8, an 11.6% increase  in bone density in 2 years. 

 Her hip increased 3.2% (-0.7 to -0.5) and her lumbar spine 2.0% (1.2 to 1.4).

What This Means for Patients

This case demonstrates that with the right personalized support, it may be possible to improve bone density naturally over time. Importantly  this occurred through improved bone building. 

This approach can work alongside conventional management to maximize best case outcomes which ultimately is the goal of any fair minded physician. 

Every patient is different, and results vary, but a comprehensive plan that includes:

• targeted nutrients
• herbal medicine
• regular monitoring
• individualized adjustments

can create meaningful changes.

If you’ve been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis and are looking for a more holistic approach, we’re here to help.

At the Portland Clinic of Holistic Health, we create customized treatment plans designed to support your body and help you build strength from the inside out.

Ready to take the next step toward stronger bones?
Contact us today to learn more about our natural osteoporosis support programs.