Better Bones — Osteoporosis Exercise Program in North Vancouver
Build stronger bones, safely.
Better Bones is a specialized exercise class for people living with osteoporosis or osteopenia. It’s designed and led by our physiotherapists, so every movement is chosen — and modified — with your bone health in mind.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to lose density and become fragile, increasing the risk of fracture — most often at the hip, wrist, or spine. It’s sometimes called a “silent disease” because there are usually no symptoms until a fracture happens.
Osteoporosis is common, and it’s manageable. Exercise is one of the most effective tools we have to slow bone loss and reduce fracture risk — but it has to be the right kind of exercise, done the right way.
Why Better Bones is Different
General fitness classes aren’t built for osteoporosis. High-impact movements, repetitive twisting, and certain flexion exercises can actually raise fracture risk in someone with low bone density.
Better Bones is different because it’s:
Physiotherapist-led. Every class is run by a physiotherapist who can assess your condition and modify exercises on the spot.
Bone-targeted. We use weight-bearing and resistance exercises shown to stimulate bone formation — think squats, deadlifts, and modified strength work — focused on the areas most affected by osteoporosis: hips, spine, and wrists.
Balance-focused. Falls are the biggest risk factor for fracture. We build balance and coordination through controlled, progressive exercises so you’re steadier on your feet in daily life.
Posture and spine-conscious. We work the muscles that support your spine to help maintain posture and protect against spinal fractures.
Safe by design. Modifications are individual — what’s safe and effective for one participant may not be for another, and we adjust accordingly.
Who is Better Bones For?
You may benefit from Better Bones if you:
Have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia
Are a postmenopausal woman (bone loss accelerates after menopause)
Have a family history of osteoporosis
Have had a previous fragility fracture
Want to build bone strength and balance proactively, before a diagnosis
What to Expect
Better Bones starts with you, not the class. Here’s how it works:
Initial assessment. You’ll begin with a one-on-one assessment with your physiotherapist, who will review your bone health history, current fitness level, and any areas of concern.
A plan built for you. Using what we learn in your assessment, your physiotherapist builds a personalized exercise plan — the specific movements, modifications, and progressions that are right for your bones and your goals.
Joining the class. With your plan in place, you’ll join the Better Bones group class, where your physiotherapist guides and adjusts your exercises within the group setting.
Meet Your Physiotherapist
Ramsey Ezzat
REGISTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST – Certified Strength & conditioning Specialist, Functional Dry Needling (FDN)/IMS, Certified in Acupuncture, BSCPT, BPHE, CSCS, CAFCI, FCAMPT
Fellow in the Canadian Academy of Manual and Musculoskeletal Physical Therapists
Ramsey Ezzat brings exceptional experience as a highly skilled physiotherapist, passionate educator, and high-level athlete to the clinic. He has earned many advanced qualifications including the being certified in Acupuncture by the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, as well as a Fellow in the Canadian Academy of Manual and Musculoskeletal Physical Therapists, a designation that requires years of hands on training and recognizes advanced skill in using manual therapy and exercise to treat orthopedic problems. He has also done extensive training in the management of chronic pain and treatment for vertigo and dizziness.
Ramsey is passionate about education – with patients, other clinicians, and physiotherapy students, which has earned him the position of Education Coordinator at North Shore Sports Medicine Clinic. He is dedicated to teaching chronic pain management skills in the community, as well as working as an instructor for fellow physiotherapists in the Orthopedic Division Levels system. He also enjoys mentoring and training some of the next generation of physiotherapy graduates from UBC earning the Ramsey the inaugural UBC Clinical Educator Award in 2012.
Outside of the clinic, Ramsey volunteers as the Chair of the Business Affairs Committee with the Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia. As a triathlete he has had numerous podium finishes and was an age-group national champion in the Olympic distance in 2011. Now focusing mostly on distance running, he has run races from 10km to 50km including a top 15 overall placing at the local North Shoe Knee Knacker trail race in 2015. He is currently training for a multi-day trail running race in Europe with his wife for 2016.
Ready to Get Started?
If you or a loved one is living with osteoporosis, Better Bones can help you move with more strength and confidence.
You’re one click away from booking your appointment!
Three Convenient Locations
In North Vancouver
Brooksbank
Ph: 604.973.0242
104-340 Brooksbank Ave
North Vancouver V7J 2C1
Monday – Friday: 7 am – 8 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm
Deep Cove
Ph: 604.929.8444
453 Dollarton Hwy N
North Vancouver V7G 1M9
Monday – Friday: 7 am – 8 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm
Westview
Ph: 604.630.3773
101-2609 Westview Dr
North Vancouver, BC
Hours: TBD
North Shore Sports Medicine Is Your Local Healthcare Provider
Vision
At North Shore Sports Medicine our vision is to be the cornerstone healthcare business enabling our staff, practitioners and the people of the North Shore to live happier, healthier, more active and fulfilled lives.
The NSSM Difference
- 30 years on the North Shore
- Award winning healthcare for all walks of life
- Longer appointments so you get the time you need with our practitioners
- Team-based approach to living better lives
- Personalized care to get you back to living your best life
- Direct billing to extended healthcare
- ICBC and WSBC Claims
- In home physiotherapy & telehealth available
- Online booking
Treatment
We look forward to seeing you in our clinics for our comprehensive care including
- Physiotherapy
- RMT Massage
- Chiropractic Care
- Dietitian Consultations
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture)
- Pilates and Yoga Classes
- Naturopathic Medicine
- Kinesiology (physio-led gym visits)
- GLA:D
- Concussion care