Introducing the ONERO™ Program at SurfEdge Sports Physiotherapy
We are very pleased to announce that SurfEdge Sports Physiotherapy now offers the ONERO™ Program - a scientifically backed, high-intensity exercise intervention specifically tailored for individuals with low bone mass, osteopenia or osteoporosis, who want to reduce fracture risk, improve strength and enhance functional movement.
Below is a comprehensive blog-style overview you can share with your patients, referrers and stakeholders. We’ve included background, science, program highlights, benefits, suitability criteria, session details and how it integrates with our clinic’s “Recover. Perform. Excel.” ethos.
What is the ONERO™ Program?
The ONERO™ Program is an evidence-based exercise programme designed to stimulate bone development, improve muscle strength and balance, and reduce fall and fracture risk in adults with low bone mass or osteoporosis. theboneclinic.com.au
Key features include:
It is not a generic class - it uses targeted high-intensity resistance and impact loading exercises under clinical supervision.
It is delivered only by accredited ONERO™ practitioners (physiotherapists/exercise physiologists) who have undertaken the training/licensing. onero.academy
It is grounded in robust research, including the LIFTMOR trial (Lifting Intervention For Training Muscle and Osteoporosis Rehabilitation) and other bone-loading exercise studies. theboneclinic.com.au
Why we believe it matters (and why we offer it)
As a sports- and exercise-physiotherapy clinic strongly focused on evidence, performance and long-term functional outcomes, the ONERO™ Program aligns with our brand promise of “Born from sport. Built for every body.”
From an allied health and physiotherapy perspective:
Low bone mass and osteoporosis are part of the broader musculoskeletal health pathway (they impact strength, posture, fall risk, functional mobility).
Many clients avoid strength/impact loading due to fear of injury or uncertainty about appropriate exercise; ONERO™ gives a structured, safe, evidence-based framework.
The approach is particularly relevant for mature clients, active older adults, sporting participants returning from significant bone injury, or those with risk factors (e.g., early menopause, medical conditions impacting bone).
Because our clinic already has strong links with local surgeons, sport medicine physicians and general practitioners, ONERO™ offers a high-quality referral-ready service that rounds out our spectrum from injury rehabilitation to long-term athletic and functional optimisation.
From a research-to-practice point of view:
Data from initial ONERO™ cohorts showed that 86% of clients increased lumbar spine bone mineral density and 69% increased hip bone mineral density over 12 months. onero.academy
The program emphasises supervised impact/resistance loads which research suggests are more effective for bone than low-intensity general exercise.
Who is the ONERO™ Program for?
The ideal candidates for ONERO™ are individuals who:
Have been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis (via DEXA scan or other assessment)
Are at increased fracture risk or have had fragility fractures or are concerned about bone health
Want a structured, supervised programme rather than an unsupervised “general fitness” class
Have clearance (via their GP/specialist) to undertake supervised high-intensity loading/impact training
Are willing to commit to regular sessions (typically ≧ 2 per week) and the necessary supervision and technique focus
It is important to note that ONERO™ is not appropriate for clients who:
Have unstable medical conditions (cardiac, uncontrolled hypertension, acute bone-metastasis, uncontrolled bone pathology) without prior medical clearance
Are unable to safely participate in supervised exercise due to severe frailty, severe balance impairment or uncontrolled musculoskeletal/neurological deficits (though alternative fall-prevention or gentler bone-health programmes might be more suitable)
Can attend only casually, with no consistency in attendance or adherence (the efficacy of the programme depends on progression and supervision)
As part of our service at SurfEdge Sports Physiotherapy we’ll always perform a screening/initial assessment to determine suitability, communicate with the referrer/GP, and tailor the programme accordingly.
What happens in a typical ONERO™ session (and timeline)?
While exact formats may vary slightly depending on client cohort and clinic set-up, the core features at SurfEdge will include:
Initial assessment
Review of medical history, bone health results (DEXA, bone markers if available), medications, lifestyle factors (nutrition, vitamin D, calcium intake)
Functional mobility, strength, balance and posture testing
Discussion of goals (bone health, falls prevention, functional independence, performance tasks)
Communication with GP/specialist where needed to ensure medical clearance
Tailored exercise prescription
Twice weekly supervised sessions (typical) of about 45-60 minutes
High-intensity resistance exercises (e.g., weighted squats, deadlifts, overhead presses) modified for safety and technique
Impact/weight-bearing loading (e.g., hops, jumps, landings, stepping) designed to stimulate bone mechanotransduction while maintaining safe progression
Balance and posture elements (to reduce falls risk)
Ongoing monitoring, progressions, regressions as needed
Home or independent component
Additional prescribed loading, mobility and balance tasks (to complement supervised sessions)
Education on technique, fall-safe strategies, lifestyle & nutrition for bone health
Periodic reassessment and monitoring
After ~12 weeks or at appropriate interval: reassess strength, balance, posture, functional tests
Progress reports for the referring GP/specialist if required
Adjust training programme accordingly
Long-term maintenance
The aim is not only short-term gains but sustainable bone health, strength and functional independence
Clients may transition into a maintenance phase or join group-based follow-on sessions under our supervision
Research indicates that meaningful change in bone density and fracture risk reduction requires not just occasional loading but consistent, targeted, supervised training over time.
Benefits of the ONERO™ Program
Participants in ONERO™ may experience multiple benefits, including:
Increased bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine and hip, reducing the risk of future osteoporotic fractures. onero.academy
Improved muscle strength, posture and functional capacity (helping with daily tasks, reducing fatigue, improving mobility)
Enhanced balance and fall-resistance, which further reduces fracture risk due to falls. theboneclinic.com.au
Improved confidence in moving, lifting, bending, stepping – especially for clients who may have been fearful of fracture or injury
Potential return to sport or active lifestyle outcomes – very relevant in our setting, given SurfEdge’s role in performance and movement-based rehab
A structured programme supervised by movement professionals (physiotherapists/ex-exercise physiologists) rather than a generic ‘fitness class’ – enhancing safety and effectiveness
How the ONERO™ Program integrates with SurfEdge’s service model
At SurfEdge Sports Physiotherapy we aim to deliver integrated care across injury/rehabilitation, performance, prevention and community health. The ONERO™ Program fits naturally into this model:
Clients transitioning from bone-injury rehabilitation (e.g., after fragility fracture, surgical repair, sport-related bone stress injury) can be seamlessly referred into ONERO™ under the same clinic umbrella
Our local networks (schools, clubs, health professionals, GPs) can refer clients with bone health concerns into a structured clinic-based programme rather than generic gym or unsupervised models
We handle all the screening, integration with GP/specialist, monitoring, reporting and progression – so that referring clinicians and clients alike benefit from coordinated care
Given our interest in youth development, sport clubs and community groups, ONERO™ also presents an opportunity for early-intervention bone health education, especially for mid-life active adults, female athletes, masters participants, etc.
Practical Details – What you need to know
Start-up
A medical clearance or referral is recommended (our clinic will liaise with your GP or specialist)
Initial assessment at our clinic (about 30-45 minutes)
Programme scheduling: typically 2 supervised sessions per week.
Commitment to attend, engage in technique, progress and home-based tasks
Equipment and venue
Sessions will occur at SurfEdge’s physiotherapy/strength zone (our facility is set up for high-intensity loading under supervision)
Equipment includes free weights, impact surfaces, balance/landing zones – all adapted for bone-loading safety
Clients should wear appropriate gym/athletic attire and shoes (we can advise based on individual needs)
Duration and progress
While some improvements may be noticeable within 12 weeks, typical meaningful bone-density and fall-risk reductions occur over 6-12+ months
We’ll reassess at intervals, provide progress reports and adjust training loads accordingly
Long-term maintenance will be encouraged once initial goals are met
Cost and funding
The clinic administration team can provide fee schedules and packages
Many clients may access Medicare (via GP Management Plan), private health insurance or NDIS funding, depending on eligibility – we will assist with reporting and supporting documentation
Our aim is transparent cost structures and value-based care
Safety and supervision
All sessions are supervised by an accredited ONERO™ practitioner (our physiotherapist team)
Technique, load progression, fall-safety and individual adaptation are central – we minimise risk and maximise gain
Clients with comorbidities will have bespoke modifications as needed
Why this is timely and relevant in our region
Given the aging demographics of the Sunshine Coast and broader Queensland region, and our strong community links (schools, sport clubs, general practitioners), introducing ONERO™ at SurfEdge is clinically highly relevant:
Many adults with active lifestyles may not think about bone health until a fracture or incident occurs — ONERO™ allows prevention rather than just response
Our clinic’s positioning in the sports-rehab/performance space means we can cater not only for the “older adult” segment but also for mid-life active clients, returning athletes, or those with recreational sporting backgrounds who might have bone-loading deficits
Local GPs, surgeons and imaging centres often highlight the need for exercise intervention in osteoporosis; we provide a high-quality referral destination
The strong focus on supervision, evidence and outcomes aligns with our professional identity and helps differentiate from generic “fitness” bone-classes
How you can promote or refer clients to ONERO™
If you are a referrer (GP, allied health colleague, surgeon), school or club coach, or community partner, here are suggested steps:
When you identify a client with low bone mass, fragility fracture, osteopenia or osteoporosis, consider referral for ONERO™ at SurfEdge
Provide the DEXA scan or report, medication list (e.g., bisphosphonates, denosumab) and any comorbidities so our team can screen appropriately
Educate the client/patient about why targeted bone-loading exercise matters (not all exercise is equal) — the ONERO™ framework helps make that clear
Suggest the client contact SurfEdge for an initial assessment, mention they are “referral for ONERO™ Program”
We will liaise with you (referrer) via progress reports, update you on outcomes, and integrate with any other treatment (nutrition, medication, surgery, lifestyle)
For clients/patients themselves:
Emphasise that this is not just a “regular gym class” — the ONERO™ Program is structured, supervised, evidence-based and tailored
Encourage consistency (twice weekly) and commitment to the process
Reinforce that improvements in bone health, strength and function are very achievable with the right intervention
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is the ONERO™ Program safe for me if I have osteoporosis?
Yes. When supervised by an accredited ONERO™ practitioner, the loading and impact exercises have been shown to be safe and effective even in people with low bone mass. theboneclinic.com.au
However, medical clearance is recommended and the programme will be adapted for your situation.
Q. Do I need to exercise every day?
No. One of the strengths of the ONERO™ approach is that meaningful bone-loading can be achieved with twice weekly sessions when properly supervised and progressed.
That said, complementary movement, mobility and lifestyle habits enhance results.
Q. I’m worried about falling or hurting myself.
That is understandable. The programme includes balance and fall-prevention training, and our physiotherapists will coach safe, progressive loading. The supervised setting helps mitigate risk.
Q. Can I still do other exercise or sport?
Absolutely. ONERO™ can sit alongside your other sport/activity goals. We will design the programme around your lifestyle, other commitments and other musculoskeletal considerations.
Q. How long until I see results?
You may notice improvements in strength, balance and confidence within 12 weeks. Significant bone density improvements typically require 6-12+ months with consistent effort. Some published data show spine and hip improvements in 12 months of ONERO™ training. onero.academy
Final thoughts
At SurfEdge Sports Physiotherapy we know that bone health is a critical pillar of musculoskeletal and performance health. The ONERO™ Program offers a high-quality, research-driven, supervised pathway for clients who want to recover, perform and excel - not just in sport, but in life and movement independence.
If you or someone you know has low bone density, osteopenia or osteoporosis, and wants more than “just do more exercise”, then ONERO™ may be the right next step.
Call us today on 5444 0563 to book your initial assessment: let’s help you build stronger bones, stronger movement and a stronger future.