Introduction

Gary Rhodes, Founder and Managing Director of DexaStrong, was inspired to start this new clinic by his Grandmother, and her own issues with musculoskeletal health. At 79, Gary’s Grandmother was struggling with osteoporosis. Her grandson, inspired by Dr. John Jaquish’s work proposed a unique and innovative method to counter her condition using biomechanical stimulation, leading to an incredible transformation not just physically, but also psychologically and socially.

The Challenge

Gary’s Grandma was living with the harsh realities of osteoporosis, a degenerative bone disease that commonly affects the elderly, leading to frailty, an increased risk of fractures, and a decreased quality of life. Traditional interventions such as weight-bearing exercises, dietary changes, and medication were proving insufficient due to her physical limitations and the risk of injury associated with high-impact exercises.

The Solution

Inspired by a conversation with Dr. Jaquish, Gary introduced his Grandma to a unique device designed to emulate the high-impact forces that stimulate bone strengthening safely. This device allowed her to perform four main exercises – chest press, leg press, core pull, and vertical lift – in her strongest biomechanical positions, replicating the benefits gymnasts receive from their intense routines without the associated injury risks.

Implementation

Using the device, Grandma engaged in regular exercise sessions focusing primarily on the leg press, which compressed her femur, hip, and spine. A load cell in the device measured the force she produced as she pushed against the device, safely challenging her body and encouraging bone strengthening through this biomechanical stimulation.

The Results

Over the course of 23 months, Gary’s Grandma demonstrated remarkable improvement in her osteoporosis condition. DEXA scans before and after the exercise regimen revealed an impressive increase in her bone density. More than just the physical transformation, her posture improved significantly and she rediscovered the joy in her daily life.

Impact and Beyond

The benefits of the biomechanical stimulation regimen extended beyond the physical. Grandma began attending social activities such as bingo and a well-being club, signifying improved psychological health. Her zest for life returned, providing her with a renewed sense of vitality and purpose.

Gary’s innovative application of biomechanical stimulation for the treatment of osteoporosis in his grandmother showcases the potential of such interventions in providing a non-pharmaceutical option to combat the disease. This case study illuminates the possibilities for improving the lives of many more seniors suffering from similar conditions, underscoring the need for further research and exploration of such solutions.

Research In Action

As you’ll see, the potential for biomechanical stimulation as an intervention in osteoporosis is not a mere anecdote; it is a potential path forward supported by numerous scientific studies.

These studies delve into the molecular mechanisms behind osteoporosis, investigate the use of mechanical stress as a form of treatment, and analyse the correlation between osteoporosis and impaired bone regeneration. 

Notably, they expand our understanding of osteoporosis and suggest innovative, non-traditional treatments that could be game-changers in this field.

From exploring bone remodelling mechanisms to discussing the effects of various stimuli on osteoporotic conditions, these scientific explorations underscore the potential of new treatment avenues, much like Gary’s biomechanical stimulation method.

“Osteoporosis pathogenesis and treatment: existing and emerging avenues” discusses the molecular mechanisms behind osteoporosis and reviews recent research on bone remodelling mechanisms, which are used to inform current and potential novel treatments for osteoporosis​.

“Utilization of Mechanical Stress to Treat Osteoporosis: The Effects of Electrical Stimulation, Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave, and Ultrasound on Experimental Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rats” investigates the efficacy of mechanical stress induced by electrical stimulation, radial extracorporeal shock waves, and ultrasound for treating oestrogen-deficient osteoporosis. It found that radial extracorporeal shock wave and ultrasound treatments improved trabecular bone microarchitecture and bone strength in osteoporotic rats, but electrical stimulation did not have the same effect​.

“Anabolic Therapies in Osteoporosis and Bone Regeneration” discusses how factors involved in the development of osteoporosis are also associated with delayed fracture healing and impaired bone regeneration​.

“Bone Formation in Osteoporosis, In Vitro Mechanical” argues that abnormalities in the number and function of bone-forming osteoblasts play a central role in the processes leading to osteoporosis​.

“The Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin” explores the potential of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for dying cancer patients​.