How does DNS help with Osteoporosis? Or bone and joint help in general?
We all know weight-bearing exercise helps with osteoporosis. But what makes DNS uniquely effective? DNS directly retrains our muscles to better support our joints and bones—like a secret weapon against gravity. Most people develop poor muscle and joint stabilization strategies, which can reverberate throughout the body, leading to pain, injury, movement challenges, and joint breakdown over time.
Why does this happen?
Our species evolved from quadrupeds to walking upright, and this bi-pedal system is somewhat fragile—easily disrupted over a lifetime. A healthy nervous system starts us out with great movement patterns as infants, but over the years, factors like excessive sitting (compared to our hunter-gatherer ancestors) degrade these patterns. Even some commonly taught exercises popular in the last century have inadvertently made our bodies more susceptible to fragility.
How DNS Helps
DNS restores the natural movement patterns our nervous system developed in infancy, encouraging healthy joint formation and connected strength. Unlike exercises that isolate muscles (like traditional gym machines), DNS teaches us to stabilize our joints from the bones outward, avoiding compensatory movements. This rebalances the forces on our skeletal system, strengthening bones with optimal vectors of force throughout the body. It trains our bodies to activate these patterns instinctively—even in daily life—so we’re constantly building bone density and decompressing our joints to defy gravity. (Hurray!)
For those with osteoporosis, DNS amplifies the benefits of weight-bearing activities. By balancing forces, it builds deep strength, making every workout exponentially more effective. You can practice DNS exercises alone or integrate them into other weight-bearing activities you love. With these optimized patterns, your body moves seamlessly with strength and ease, much like a skilled martial artist.
Why I Love DNS
One of the reasons I love DNS is its versatility—it resolves nearly any musculoskeletal issue or dysfunction. Whether the focus is osteoporosis, back pain, or other challenges (like hip pain, pelvic floor issues, or GERD), DNS restores connections across the body. Better stabilization also improves balance, another crucial factor in keeping bones injury-free.
DNS and Pilates
Before I discovered DNS, I was a Pilates instructor. Pilates gave me a deep appreciation for movement, but DNS transformed how I approach exercise. DNS integrates beautifully with any movement practice—including Pilates. Once I learned DNS, I could perform Pilates moves I thought were impossible for my body, and they felt amazing!
While Pilates alone isn’t a major bone-strengthening exercise, many instructors now incorporate bone-building elements into their sessions. When "DNS-ified," Pilates becomes exponentially more effective at strengthening bones and improving overall stability.
The Bottom Line
When you come to class, know you’re giving your body exactly what it needs—better bones, joints, and muscles to help you move well for life. DNS helps us all reconnect with our natural strength and freedom, making every movement more effective and enjoyable.
Want to live a pain-free life? Schedule an appointment to see the DNS difference or stay tuned to upcoming workshops and events. Email marisa@brilliantbacks.com today!
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