Everything you want to know before your first visit
Clear, honest answers from our certified bone health coaches.
1
What a DEXA scan actually measures
A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan doesn’t measure bone strength directly. It measures Bone Mineral Density (BMD) - the concentration of minerals inside your bone tissue, expressed in grams per square centimeter (g/cm²). Higher BMD means stronger bones and lower fracture risk. Lower BMD means higher fracture risk. Your scan is a snapshot in time, not your destiny - 152 peer-reviewed studies confirm that people of all ages can improve their BMD with the right stimulus.
Your T-score compares your bone density to a healthy 30-year-old - the standard for peak bone mass. Here’s what the ranges mean: Normal is 0 to -1.0, meaning your bone density is within a healthy range. Osteopenia is -1.0 to -2.5, meaning bone density is below normal and you’re at increased fracture risk. Osteoporosis is below -2.5, meaning significantly reduced bone density and high fracture risk. This is the number your doctor uses, insurance references, and most OsteoStrong members track over time. Even small movements in T-score represent meaningful changes in bone strength.
★★★★★
My doctor noticed the improvement in my bone density before I even told her I’d been going to OsteoStrong. That says it all.
Gloria D.
Austin Member
3
Z-Score: Why most people should ignore it
The Z-score compares your bone density to people your same age, sex, and demographic group. It sounds useful, but here’s the problem: most people your age are already experiencing bone loss. After 50, the average person loses roughly 3% of bone density per year. Comparing yourself to a declining group gives you a falsely reassuring number. You don’t want to be ‘average for your age’ - you want to be building. Focus on your T-score and raw BMD values instead.
Abby Hemphill
Understanding my DEXA results
4
BMD: The real progress metric
Your raw BMD number (measured in g/cm²) shows the most accurate picture of progress over time. Here’s what to aim for: if your spine BMD stays within 1% year over year, that’s a win. If your hip stays within 2%, that’s also a win. Why? Because after age 50, most people lose around 3% per year without intervention. Maintaining - not losing - is genuine progress. Improving is even better, and a published trial of postmenopausal women using osteogenic loading showed BMD increases of 14.9% in the hip and 16.6% in the spine.
I joined OsteoStrong and my scores have improved dramatically since coming here!
Pam R.
4.6% spine · 5.6% hip · 6.5% femoral increase
5
Don’t compare scans from different machines
This is one of the most common mistakes. Different DEXA machines, even from the same manufacturer, produce different values due to calibration differences. You cannot reliably compare a GE Lunar scan to a Hologic scan, or even scans from two different clinics using the same brand. Always get your follow-up scans on the exact same machine at the same facility. If you switch machines, your numbers may look like they changed when nothing actually did.
6
Make sure the same area was scanned
Even on the same machine, results can be misleading if the scanned region shifts between visits. Make sure the hips were positioned and internally rotated the same way, the lumbar spine scan covers the same vertebrae (typically L1–L4), and the region of interest (ROI) box is placed identically. A good technician will compare your current scan layout to your baseline. If something looks off, ask your doctor to verify the regions match before drawing conclusions.
★★★★★
After starting with OsteoStrong, my bone density has increased and I no longer have osteoporosis!
DEXA scans that moved in the right direction, verified by their own doctors. Their words, not ours.
From osteoporotic spine to normal. +12.8%.
0:52
NicoleSpine +12.8%, hip +10.5%, femoral neck +8.8%
Nicole·75·Austin3 years
“My spine no longer was osteoporotic. I improved my bone density by 12.8%, my hip by 10.5%, and my femoral neck by 8.8%.”
NicoleAustin · 3 years · Spine +12.8%, hip +10.5%, femoral neck +8.8%Read the full transcript
My name is Nicole Denison and I've been coming to OsteoStrong for three years and three years in one month, I guess. After 15 months I decided I should get a bone density test done to see whether it was really working. To my surprise, I found out that my spine no longer was osteoporotic. I improved my bone density by 12.8%, and my hip had improved by 10.5%, and the femoral neck had improved by 8.8%. So anyway, I can highly recommend OsteoStrong for helping me to overcome the osteoporosis. Thank you very much.
From osteopenia for 15 years to normal.
1:03
MarjorieBone density now normal after 15 years osteopenia
Marjorie·70·Austin18 months
“I didn't think I would ever get to normal. This place works. You got to come work it because it works and you're worth it.”
MarjorieAustin · 18 months · Bone density now normal after 15 years osteopeniaRead the full transcript
Forty-four years old, I started getting bone density tests and my bone density was going down, down, down. I was doing barbell weightlifting, walking a lot, doing the things you're supposed to do for bone density. I went on hormone therapy. None of it was making it stop. A friend told me about OsteoStrong. I've been coming for 18 months. I just had my DEXA and I'm normal. After 15 years of being osteopenic. I didn't think I would ever get to normal. This place works. You got to come work it because it works and you're worth it.
Everything improved after years of decline.
1:25
BonnieFemoral neck +8.7%, everything improved after 3 years
Bonnie·70·Austin3 years
“Every time I've had it, it's always gotten worse. I couldn't believe it. Everything improved.”
BonnieAustin · 3 years · Femoral neck +8.7%, everything improved after 3 yearsRead the full transcript
Hi, I'm Bonnie Johnson. And I've been coming to OsteoStrong for about three years now. I just got my bone density scan back and I improved my femoral neck by 8.7%, and everything else improved. Every time I've had it, it's always gotten worse. So when I got this report, I couldn't believe it. Everything improved. So I am so happy. Thanks, OsteoStrong.
Spine and hip: completely reversed.
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KathleenSpine and hip: osteoporosis reversed to normal
Kathleen·68·Austin2.5 years
“In my hip and my spine, I'm completely normal. Thanks to AlgaeCal and OsteoStrong, I feel like a new person.”
KathleenAustin · 2.5 years · Spine and hip: osteoporosis reversed to normalRead the full transcript
Hi, my name is Kathleen and I'm here today to share the great story with you about two and a half years ago. Well, actually three years ago, I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in my spine, my hip, and my femur. About two and a half years ago, I started AlgaeCal and OsteoStrong. I just got my DEXA results back. In my hip and my spine, I'm completely normal. My femur is osteopenia, but no longer osteoporosis. Thanks to AlgaeCal and OsteoStrong, I feel like a new person and I encourage you to do the same.
Meet some of our members
Real women who walk into our Austin and Georgetown centers every week. Tap any photo to see the whiteboard up close.
DeeDeeSpine +19%, out of osteoporosis
JeaneenOsteoporosis to osteopenia in about a year
NicoleSpine +12.8%, hip +10.5%, femoral neck +8.8%
AbbySpine +4%, then +11% on her most recent DEXA
DoraSpine +20%, hip +16%, no more osteoporosis
AngieHip +9%, no longer osteoporotic
KayeFrom osteopenia to normal bone density
Ruth H.Fracture risk dropped from 57% to 24%
Ann S.Spine +4.4%, femur +16%, hip +5.5%
Minerva M.Bone density +13.6%
Dorothy G.Spine +9.6%, femoral neck +6.1%
Martha G.Spine +8.8%
Melinda D.Bone density +8.2%
VeroniqueHip +7.6%
Jaimini P.Spine +5.9%, hip +8%, femur +2.5%
Valerie S.Hip +5.7%
Mercedes A.Bone density +5.5%
Pam R.Spine +4.6%, hip +5.6%, femoral neck +6.5%
Diane M.Spine +2.2%, hip +2.0%, L3 +5.6%
Rachel M.Femoral neck +4%, total spine +2%
Stella L.Spine +3%, left femoral neck +6.7%
Terry M.Hip +6%
Gloria D.Reversed a decade of spine and femoral neck decline (DEXA 2018 - 2024)
Sarah S.Grew 1/2 inch in height
Lisa W.Grew 1 inch (5'3/4" to 5'1 3/4")
Cherlyn M.Grew 1/2 inch (4'11 1/2" to 5')
Karen C.Gained 1/4 inch in height
Janalou L.Gained 1/4 inch in height
Bettye L.Grip: left 39.2 to 55.6, right 41.8 to 55.6
Chris L.Grip in 35 days: left 33.4 to 38.4, right 44.2 to 49.4
Jan G.Grip: left 52.6 to 65.8, right 67.4 to 70.4
Joyce R.Grip in 83 days: left 29.8 to 41.4, right 37.6 to 43.2
Karen O.Grip in 50 days: left 34 to 42, right 36 to 47
Marilyn H.Grip: left 51.8 to 54.2, right 52.4 to 60.0
Debbie H.Force output: 526 lbs to 585 lbs
LeslieLower growth trigger: 1,255 lbs to 1,298 lbs
Mary Jane S.Personal best: lower growth trigger 1,363 lbs
Norma M.Single-leg balance: 14 sec / 15 sec up to 40 sec
Paula A.Sit to stand in 119 days: 13 to 20
Renee K.Sit to stand in 75 days: 13 to 21
Rebecca P.Getting stronger - even dance partners notice
Susan B.Feeling stronger, one week at a time
Terri M.More confident through her osteoporosis journey
Marjorie15 years osteopenia, now normal bone density
BonnieFemoral neck +8.7%, everything improved after 3 years
JaneSpine +1.8%, hips +5.4%/+8.8%, drives from Temple
KathleenSpine + hip osteoporosis reversed to normal
DianeSpine +5%, first DEXA improvement in many years
VirginiaWheelchair 4 years to standing unassisted
ClaudiaCaught a near-fall on the stairs
AdaSingle-leg balance: 9 to 35 seconds
RebeccaOpening jars again
KimStronger, more confident in balance
Adrienne C.Vertigo gone after balance plate work
ZachOsteopenia from childhood meds, climbing weekly
DeniseIndividualized attention, fun experience
MarilynHip + shoulder pain gone after 1 LIMFA session
ChuckShoulder pain 5 to 0 after one LIMFA session
KarenA1C from 6.1 to 5.8
ClaudiaHeart transplant recovery, building bone back
Here's Exactly What To Do
Worried about your bones? Do this one thing today.
Click the button below and book your free 15-minute Bone Health Roadmap Call. We’ll answer your questions, review your DEXA if you have one, and tell you whether OsteoStrong is the right fit. No pressure. No gym clothes. Just a clear next step.
