167. Bones, them strong bones: How to use bone loading programs. Physio Edge Running repairs podcast with Tom Goom

Bone strength and density are vital in your running and sporting patients who can experience bone stress injuries (BSI’s), and also as patients get older and more vulnerable to falls and fractures.

How can you improve bone strength in patients following a bone stress injury such as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome or stress fractures, or in other patients that you’d like to improve bone density or strength?

Traditional approaches to strength and conditioning may not always address the needs of your patients recovering from bone stress injuries. That’s where bone loading programs come in—a targeted strategy to help prepare bones for impact, improve power, and support a return to sport.

In this episode, Tom Goom (Running Physio) dives into the research and how to use a bone loading program to stimulate bone adaptation.

In this podcast, you’ll discover:

• The theory and evidence behind bone loading programs and how bones respond to impact.
• How to identify the right stage of injury recovery for introducing impact training.
• Practical guidelines for implementing short, progressive bone loading exercises.
• Techniques for progressing exercises based on patient goals and symptoms.
• Strategies to improve bone strength in patients experiencing other musculoskeletal issues such as Achilles tendinopathy.
• Real-world applications and demonstrations of bone loading programs.

Tom also shares insights on identifying readiness for impact exercises, managing patient expectations, and adjusting programs for individual needs. You’ll leave this episode equipped with actionable strategies to help patients safely and effectively return to sport while supporting their bone health.

If you’re a clinician or physiotherapist looking for practical solutions to manage bone stress injuries or improve bone density, this podcast is packed with valuable information you can apply in your practice right away.

🔗 Free Webinar Alert! Don't miss out on our free webinars for therapists on shin pain and Achilles tendinopathy in runners. Check the link in the description for more information.

Improve running injury assessment & treatment now with the Running Repairs Online course with Tom Goom at clinicaledge.co/runningrepairs.

Unlock the secrets of successful tendinopathy assessment and treatment with this free infographic series for therapists.

• Turner CH, Robling AG. Mechanisms by which exercise improves bone strength. Journal of bone and mineral metabolism. 2005 Jan;23:16-22.

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Chapters:

• 04:37 - Turner and Robling (2005) running longer doesn't make bones stronger
• 10:46 - Bone loading progressions
• 15:58 - Analysis of the evidence
• 17:05 - Whether loading technique matters
• 15:03 - Summary