Osteoporosis program

We will help you:

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

To enroll in this 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 1.5 hours. 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 classes:

• suitable technology (laptop or tablet preferred, with audio and video capabilities)
• floor or bed where you can lay down to exercise (you may wish to use a yoga mat if using the floor)
• wall space free of clutter and obstructions
• one or two pillows
• two hand towels
• stool without a back if available, or chair (backless stool is best). Do not use a chair with wheels.
• light hand weights (2-3 lbs) or substitute other household objects (cans of soup, bags of rice)
• elastic cords, resistance bands (eg. Theraband) of various strengths (light, medium, heavy).  Do not use elastic loops
• have 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 and down from the floor safely. Please do not attempt this if you are unsure. You can also do floor exercises on the bed.  
• If you are unable to perform the exercises or are experiencing any challenges with the exercises, do not perform them before seeking guidance from the physiotherapist.
• 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 you have any changes in your condition, with pain, unsteadiness or feeling unwell, do not continue with your exercises. Seek medical help if needed.
• Have a plan if problems arise during the session and have a phone close by. If possible, be able to contact another household member. Please alert your instructor if problems arise and you are alone and call 911.

Our virtual classes are offered through Zoom.

Resources

• How to get the most out of virtual healthcare
• 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 AHS card. We require patient verification of ID prior to beginning the session.
• Check in 15 minutes before your class. If you have any problems logging into class, contact the department at 780.735.2757.
• If possible, use a portable device for your class. This way you can place your device so the instructor can see you while doing floor exercises.
• Have your exercise space and equipment ready when starting the session.
• Find a quiet, private space without interruptions or background noise.
• Have a plain background, and avoid backlight from bright windows and have good lighting. Please do not turn on a virtual background.

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. We ask that you enable the share video feature so we can see you during the session.This allows 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 This information is also 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 chats will be visible to other class members. Please maintain privacy and confidentiality of the group members.
• No audio or video recording of the sessions is permitted.