A DEXA Scan is the gold standard Bone Density Test used to measure Bone Mineral Density. It plays an important role in identifying Osteopenia and Osteoporosis, while providing detailed T-Score and Z-Score results that help assess bone health and fracture risk.
At BeFit Training Physiotherapy, our Edgecliff clinic offers DEXA Scans for both existing and new patients. Whether you’re monitoring your bone health, investigating low bone density or tracking changes over time, a DEXA Scan provides valuable information that helps guide treatment and exercise recommendations.
DEXA stands for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. The scan uses very low-dose X-rays to accurately measure Bone Mineral Density, allowing clinicians to assess bone strength and identify early signs of bone loss before fractures occur.
What Is a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA Scan is a specialised imaging test that measures the mineral content within your bones. It is considered the most accurate and widely used Bone Density Test for diagnosing reduced bone density and monitoring changes over time.
The scan is quick, painless and non-invasive. Most appointments take approximately 10 to 20 minutes, with minimal radiation exposure compared with many other imaging investigations.
DEXA Scans are commonly recommended for:
- Post-menopausal women
- Men over 50 years
- People with a family history of osteoporosis
- Individuals taking long-term corticosteroids
- People with previous fractures
- Athletes at risk of low energy availability
- Anyone wanting to understand their Bone Mineral Density
Why Is Bone Mineral Density Important?
Bone Mineral Density refers to the amount of mineral contained within your bones. Higher bone density generally indicates stronger bones that are better able to tolerate everyday loading and reduce fracture risk.
As Bone Mineral Density decreases, bones become weaker and more susceptible to fractures. Reduced bone density is classified as either Osteopenia or Osteoporosis depending on the severity of bone loss.
Although ageing naturally affects Bone Mineral Density, exercise, nutrition, hormones, medications and certain medical conditions also play important roles in lifelong bone health.
Understanding Your DEXA Scan Results
Your DEXA Scan report provides two important measurements known as the T-Score and Z-Score.
What Is a T-Score?
The T-Score compares your Bone Mineral Density with that of a healthy young adult at peak bone mass.
The World Health Organization defines the following categories:
| Result | T-Score |
|---|---|
| Normal | Greater than or equal to -1.0 |
| Osteopenia | Between -1.0 and -2.5 |
| Osteoporosis | Less than or equal to -2.5 |
| Severe Osteoporosis | Less than or equal to -2.5 with one or more fragility fractures |
T-Scores are generally used for post-menopausal women and men over the age of 50.
What Is a Z-Score?
The Z-Score compares your Bone Mineral Density with people of the same age, sex and ethnicity.
The Z-Score is particularly useful when assessing younger adults, pre-menopausal women, men under 50 years and children, as it helps determine whether bone density is lower than expected for someone of a similar age.
What Causes Low Bone Mineral Density?
Many factors can influence Bone Mineral Density throughout life.
These include:
- Ageing
- Menopause
- Reduced physical activity
- Poor nutrition
- Low calcium or Vitamin D intake
- Eating disorders
- Excessive exercise with inadequate energy intake
- Smoking
- Excess alcohol intake
- Hyperthyroidism
- Cancer treatment
- Long-term corticosteroid medication
- Certain chronic medical conditions
Identifying these factors early allows treatment to focus not only on Bone Mineral Density but also on reducing future fracture risk.
How Exercise Improves Bone Mineral Density
One of the most effective ways to improve Bone Mineral Density is through progressive loading exercise.
Bone responds to mechanical loading by becoming stronger over time. Activities that place controlled compression and impact forces through the skeleton stimulate bone remodelling and help maintain healthy bones.
Examples include:
- Strength training
- Squats
- Deadlifts
- Overhead presses
- Step-ups
- Heel drops
- Running
- Jumping
- Resistance training
At BeFit Training Physiotherapy, our ONERO Program combines evidence-based strength training with supervised exercise to improve bone health for people living with Osteopenia and Osteoporosis.
Following a DEXA Scan, our physiotherapists can also develop an individual exercise program through General Physiotherapy, helping you safely improve strength, balance and Bone Mineral Density based on your individual goals.
Who Should Consider a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA Scan is not only recommended for people with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis. It can also provide valuable information for individuals who want to understand their Bone Mineral Density and identify potential risk factors before fractures occur.
You may benefit from a DEXA Scan if you:
- Are a woman after menopause
- Are a man over 50 years of age
- Have previously sustained a low-impact fracture
- Have a family history of Osteoporosis
- Take long-term corticosteroid medication
- Have experienced prolonged immobilisation
- Have an eating disorder or low energy availability
- Have medical conditions affecting bone health
- Want to monitor changes in Bone Mineral Density over time
Early assessment allows appropriate intervention before significant bone loss develops.
How Can You Improve Bone Mineral Density?
Improving Bone Mineral Density requires a combination of appropriate exercise, nutrition and lifestyle strategies. While some bone loss naturally occurs with ageing, healthy lifestyle habits can help slow this process and, in many cases, improve bone strength.
Strategies that may improve Bone Mineral Density include:
- Regular progressive strength training
- Weight-bearing exercise
- Adequate calcium intake
- Maintaining healthy Vitamin D levels
- Sufficient daily protein intake
- Avoiding smoking
- Limiting excessive alcohol intake
- Improving balance to reduce falls risk
- Following an evidence-based exercise program
Exercise should be tailored to your current Bone Mineral Density, medical history and overall health. For people diagnosed with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis, supervised exercise programs are often the safest and most effective option.
Frequently Asked Questions About DEXA Scan
What does a DEXA Scan measure?
A DEXA Scan measures Bone Mineral Density and is considered the gold standard Bone Density Test for assessing bone strength and fracture risk.
What is the difference between a T-Score and Z-Score?
A T-Score compares your Bone Mineral Density with a healthy young adult, while a Z-Score compares your Bone Mineral Density with someone of the same age, sex and ethnicity.
Can a DEXA Scan detect Osteopenia and Osteoporosis?
Yes. A DEXA Scan is the primary imaging investigation used to diagnose Osteopenia and Osteoporosis using internationally recognised T-Score criteria.
How often should you have a DEXA Scan?
The recommended frequency depends on your Bone Mineral Density, age, medical history and individual risk factors. Your healthcare professional can advise when repeat testing is appropriate.
Can exercise improve Bone Mineral Density?
Yes. Progressive resistance training and weight-bearing exercise can improve Bone Mineral Density and reduce fracture risk when performed consistently and appropriately.
Take Control of Your Bone Health
A DEXA Scan provides valuable information about your Bone Mineral Density and can identify Osteopenia or Osteoporosis before fractures occur. Understanding your T-Score and Z-Score allows treatment and exercise programs to be tailored to your individual needs.
Whether your goal is preventing bone loss, monitoring Bone Mineral Density or improving long-term bone health, early assessment provides the opportunity to take proactive steps towards stronger bones.
At BeFit Training Physiotherapy, we combine DEXA Scan assessment with evidence-based exercise, physiotherapy and our ONERO Program to help improve strength, Bone Mineral Density and confidence with movement.
Book your DEXA Scan today and take the first step towards understanding your bone health.
Further Reading
- Strength Training for Healthy Bones
- Your Bones Are Changing Right Now – Here’s What You Can Actually Do About It
References
- World Health Organization. Assessment of fracture risk and its application to screening for postmenopausal osteoporosis. WHO Technical Report Series 843. Geneva: World Health Organization; 1994.
- International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD). Official Positions. Updated 2023.
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis and management in postmenopausal women and men over 50 years of age.
- Watson SL, Weeks BK, Weis LJ, Horan SA, Beck BR. High-intensity resistance and impact training improves bone mineral density and physical function in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 2018.
- Beck BR, Daly RM, Singh MAF, Taaffe DR. Exercise and Sports Science Australia Position Statement on exercise prescription for the prevention and management of osteoporosis. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2017.
