A diagnosis-fueled innovation
Osteogenic loading and impact emulation are unfamiliar terms for most people, however that is changing quickly as more OsteoStrong locations open in the United States and around the world. Creve Coeur was the first to offer this in the state of Missouri almost three years ago, and now there are additional OsteoStrong locations in Ballwin, Clayton, O’Fallon and Columbia, MO.
The medical devices used at OsteoStrong were invented by Dr. John Jaquish, Ph.D., after learning that his mother had osteoporosis. “I knew that osteoporosis was deconditioned bone, and anything that had been deconditioned can be reconditioned,” he says.
Dr. Jaquish began researching the best way to recondition bone and discovered that gymnasts have the highest bone density of athletes because of the way they strike the ground when landing. Subsequently, he built a circuit of robotic musculoskeletal devices that allow users to emulate that high-impact-level force in a safe, controlled movement.
Jaime Zografos, owner of OsteoStrong Ballwin, summarizes it this way: “Our members are in control throughout the movement, they are self-loading pressure onto their bodies through their own force production. It’s a very comfortable movement that only requires about 15 seconds of actual effort per machine, and you only do it once a week.”
After Dr. Jaquish built his first prototype and started testing it on his mother, she saw great improvement in her bone density and overall strength within 18 months. She continues to enjoy those strong bones today – and she’s in her 80s! Dr. Jaquish himself was also experiencing changes in his physical performance that were helped by osteogenic loading. It became clear these devices could help more than just those with bone loss.
A fit for everyone
OsteoStrong’s system goes beyond triggering bone tissue growth, it also improves muscle density (myofibril hypertrophy), balance, agility – and thickens tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. All of these strengthen joints and can reduce or eliminate joint and back pain. O’Fallon OsteoStrong owner Mike Baue says, “We see people from all fitness levels – elite athletes all the way to highly deconditioned people of all ages, some even dealing with chronic pain – increasing skeletal strength, muscle strength, joint function and reducing or eliminating joint and back pain. We even have members in their 80s who have reversed their osteoporosis and Type 2 diabetes. It’s incredible.”
Jason Hicks, owner of OsteoStrong Clayton, shares what his members love most about OsteoStrong: “My members obviously love the results, but they also love that our program is so easy to commit to – only requiring one session per week – and that they don’t have to change into gym clothes.”
An OsteoStrong session does not make you sweat or leave you fatigued afterwards – it actually makes you feel energized! You can also work out the same day that you do an OsteoStrong session, because osteogenic loading affects a different part of the muscle cell, but plan your workouts accordingly. “Strength training is awesome, but it fatigues you in a way that will keep you from doing your best on our devices, so we encourage our members to work out after they come in, not before,” advises Jason.
Athletes are also discovering that the benefits from osteogenic loading help with their gym workouts. Why? Because our bodies are designed to limit muscle growth based on how much our bones can handle. Imagine it this way: Your bones and skeletal system are like a shelf and the muscles are boxes. If you try to put very heavy boxes on a weak shelf, it will break. Your body makes sure that can’t happen by limiting how much muscle you can build (how heavy the boxes can be) based on the strength of your skeletal system (the strength of the shelf). When an athlete improves bone and skeletal strength, the body can take on more muscle.
“That’s really the beauty of this system – it works regardless of age, fitness level or personal physical fitness goals,” says Laura Harper, owner of the Creve Coeur location. “We ALL have a musculoskeletal system and when you make it stronger, your body will perform better for you. Whether that means beating a personal record, competing in your favorite sport or simply being able to walk up and down stairs without your knees hurting or feeling like you’re going to fall. OsteoStrong strengthens the body from the inside out – making you more fracture-proof – which is something that benefits every type of athlete as well as the aging population. Nobody wants to fall and break a bone, regardless of age. And every athlete knows that any type of injury sets them way back, so they do everything they can to avoid that.”
Reducing risk of fracture is OsteoStrong’s main goal. The science behind the system is over a century old, but before these devices were available, there was no way to apply the science safely. High-impact force would normally be very high risk for most of the population, but OsteoStrong members are able to receive the benefit of that high-impact activity without the risks normally associated with it.
Most of the current members at OsteoStrong are those with back and joint pain, people with osteopenia/osteoporosis (or who want to prevent it), athletes of all ages, those concerned with age-related loss of strength and balance and those with very busy lives that find it difficult to fit regular exercise into their routine. But almost every person can benefit from osteogenic loading, especially when it can be done so safely and conveniently. “For those who sit at a desk most of the day, OsteoStrong sessions can really help combat the issues that come from a sedentary lifestyle,” says Johnny Harper, OsteoStrong’s regional developer for Missouri.
Free first session
All OsteoStrong locations offer a free trial session so you can try it for yourself. “We encourage everybody to try it at least once, because I am certain there is someone you love who needs it, and you will be very glad you learned about it and are able to share it with them,” states Laura Harper.
There are four OsteoStrong locations in the St. Louis area. Call the location of your choice to set up your first appointment:
Ballwin (636) 697-3902
Clayton (314) 541-5661
Creve Coeur (314) 300-6902
O’Fallon (636) 238-8696
Testimonials
KEVIN | Certified Health Coach
Kevin Ellis, certified health coach and owner of FoodHealHealth.com, had an unexpected diagnosis of osteoporosis last year. He has made it his mission to help guide people into a healthy lifestyle and believes everybody should be using the technology at OsteoStrong to avoid bone loss, at any age.
“Years of nutrient malabsorption due to celiac disease prevented my bones from getting what they needed to be strong and healthy. When I first learned I had osteoporosis, the first thing someone recommended was to get into an OsteoStrong. It quickly became a foundational pillar in improving my bone health. Even with low bone density, the lifestyle and nutrition changes I’ve made along with OsteoStrong has me lifting more in the gym now than I have in many years. Without a doubt, this has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my bone health.”
PAT | OsteoStrong member
“My doctor has been monitoring my bone density for over 10 years when my scan showed I had osteopenia at 52 years old. My last scan before starting OsteoStrong was when my doctor and I became really concerned, because I decreased more than ever before which put me at -3.3 in my spine, and -2.2 in my hip. I agreed to start taking raloxifene, but admittedly, was very inconsistent with it. I also checked out OsteoStrong at the recommendation of my doctor and I’m so glad I did! After 2 years of OsteoStrong I increased in BOTH my spine and hip! Spine increased 6.9 percent and hip increased 2.5 percent! I still have a ways to go but am just thrilled that my bones are getting STRONGER!
JANA AND MEGAN | mother & daughter
“My doctor recommended OsteoStrong to me after I started experiencing side effects from osteoporosis medication. After learning there was also a benefit for muscles (myofibrils), tendons and ligaments, I decided to have my daughter join with me. Megan was diagnosed with hypotonic muscles as a baby that caused a lack of muscle tone and a significant muscle nerve delay which impacts her reflexes. Poor reflexes have limited her driving capabilities, but after 10 months of OsteoStrong, at age 23, Megan is able to drive by herself and has her own car! I know I’m strengthening MY bones, but Megan’s results are a dream that we never thought would become reality! Thank you, OsteoStrong!”