Osteoporosis program

We will help you:

• better understand osteoporosis
• prevent falls
• improve your posture and strength
• lessen your risk of fracture

To enroll in our program, you must:

• have a medical diagnosis of osteoporosis from your doctor
• have access to technology that supports the Zoom platform (audio and video)
• have an email account
• complete and submit the osteoporosis health questionnaire
• review Zoom support if needed

1. Contact us at 780.735.2757 to place your name on the wait list.
2. Send us your completed osteoporosis health questionnaire by fax or mail.
3. Send a copy of your bone density test or FRAX (if you have one).

A physiotherapist will contact you to review your questionnaire and confirm your class dates. We will send Zoom invitations to your email.

Our program includes virtual classes delivered by Zoom. Classes run for five to seven weeks, once a week for 90 minutes. They are led by a licensed physiotherapist and may include extra sessions with a pharmacist and a registered dietician.

Our classes offer:

• informative lectures in a group setting
• opportunities for sharing and asking questions
• tips on exercising safely
• tips for improving your posture

You will need the following equipment for your classes:

• suitable technology (laptop or tablet, with audio and video capabilities, is preferred)
• a floor or bed where you can lie down to exercise (you may wish to use a yoga mat if lying on the floor)
• wall space free of clutter and obstructions
• one or two pillows
• two hand towels
• a stool without a back, if available, or a backless chair without wheels. 
• light hand weights (two to three pounds) or use other household objects (cans of soup or bags of rice)
• elastic cords, resistance bands (eg., Theraband) of various strengths (light, medium, heavy).  Do not use elastic loops.
• a cell phone within easy reach for use in case of emergency

• At no point in your exercises should you feel any pain, especially in your back.
• Always be mindful of your balance. Have a counter, railing or table nearby for support.
• Make sure you use any walking aids (cane, walker, etc.) that you usually use, so you are safe.
• Your instructor will teach you how to get up from and down onto the floor safely. Please do not attempt this if you are unsure. You can also do floor exercises on a bed. 
• If you are unable to do the exercises or experience any challenges, ask the physiotherapist for guidance.
• Ask questions to clarify. If you are on mute, please type comments and questions into the chat box. It will be monitored regularly during the session.
• If there are any changes in your condition, with pain, unsteadiness or feeling unwell, do not continue with your exercises. Seek medical help if needed.
• Plan for problems that may arise during the session and keep a phone close by. If possible, make sure you can contact a member of your household. Tell your instructor if you need help and are alone and call 911.”

Our virtual classes are offered through Zoom.

Resources

• How to get the most out of virtual health care
• Zoom support for patients

Before your virtual session

• You must have two methods of identification ready at the beginning of the first session. This may be as simple as spelling your name, providing your date of birth or showing your Alberta healthcare card. We will need you to verify your identity before beginning the session.
• Find a quiet, private space without interruptions or background noise.
• Have your exercise space and equipment ready when starting the session.
• If possible, use a portable device for your class and place it so the instructor can see you while you are doing floor exercises. 
• Use a plain background, avoid backlight from bright windows and ensure you have good lighting. Please do not turn on a virtual background.
• Check in 15 minutes before your class. If you have any problems logging in class, contact us at 780.735.2757.

What to expect

• When you sign in, you will be admitted to a waiting room. The instructor/host will admit you to the session.
• You will be in a group with other participants. Please enable the share video feature so we can see you during the session. This will allow us to watch you do exercises and provide feedback.
• You may be muted at the beginning of the session. Your instructor will review the meeting controls with you and show you the raise hand and chat functions. This information is also included on your Zoom patient support sheet.
• During the session, you will be unmuted for questions, or you can use the chat function. Stay on mute if you are not talking.
• Your comments and chat messages will be visible to other class members. Please maintain the privacy and confidentiality of your classmates.
• No audio or video recording of the sessions is permitted.