Did you know?
Men and women reach their peak bone mass around the age of 30, and from that point onward, it’s all about maintenance and protection (4). What is even more fascinating is that your skeleton is a living, dynamic tissue in constant change. Your entire skeleton is constantly rebuilding itself — cell by cell.
Specialised cells called osteoclasts break down old, worn-out bone, while osteoblasts get to work laying down brand new, stronger bone in its place. Over the course of about 10 years, this quiet but powerful process replaces your entire skeleton. It’s a silent, behind-the-scenes renovation happening 24/7 — keeping it running smoothly is the key to staying strong and fracture-free as you age.
The WHO (world health organisation) categorise weak bones as Osteopenia and Osteoporosis.
Our bones natural imbalance often accelerates with age, especially after menopause, but age isn’t the only factor (1). Several common medical conditions and lifestyle factors can tip the balance even further, including, (but not limited to):
- Thyroid disorders (both overactive and underactive)
- Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
- Digestive conditions that impair nutrient absorption (e.g., coeliac disease, Crohn’s)
- Certain medications like corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, and some cancer treatments
- Low body weight or very low BMI
- Lack of physical activity
- Low intake of calcium, vitamin D, or protein
- Smoking and excessive alcohol intake
- Two in three Australians over the age of 50 have either osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone density). Yet, despite the numbers, routine bone health screening isn’t part of regular check-ups for many older adults. This means countless Australians are walking around unaware of their risk
- Every 3-4 minutes, someone in Australia breaks a bone due to poor bone health (2). That adds up to more than 183,000 fractures every year, often caused by underlying conditions like osteoporosis—many of which are undiagnosed until it’s too late.
The Problem: Fractures and ageing in Australia
3. Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease” because it develops slowly and without symptoms—until a fracture occurs. For adults over 50, even a simple trip, minor bump, or everyday fall can result in a serious break if bone strength is reduced, often leading to significant pain, loss of mobility, and a major disruption to independence and daily life.
Some key facts: (3)
- 50% of women and 30% of men over 50 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime
- Hip fractures are the most serious and costly type of fracture, often requiring hospitalisation, surgery, and long-term care
- A prior fracture increases the chance of another, yet many people are not investigated for osteoporosis even after their first break
It’s clear we need better ways to detect and monitor bone health—early and accurately.
But there’s good news: a new breakthrough in bone scanning technology is helping to change this story. That’s where Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-Spectrometry or REMS for short comes in.
The Game Changer
Now Available in Adelaide at Natural Health Medicine.
European R.E.M.S. Technology by Echolight. Modern, Forward-Thinking, Tested, Trusted, and Powered by Scientific Evidence (7)- Driven by Innovation.
Developed in Italy by Echolight, REMS is a new, non-invasive, and radiation-free way to assess bone health (6). Unlike traditional DEXA scans, developed in the 1980s and the gold standard for years—REMS uses advanced ultrasound-based technology to assess Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and provide an additional score known as the Fragility Score (Bone Strength)
What Makes REMS Different?
Here’s what sets REMS apart:
✅ Radiation-free – Safe for regular use, including younger patients, pregnant women and those requiring frequent monitoring
✅ Immediate results – No waiting. Your bone health report is ready quickly
✅ Measures both Quantity and Quality – In addition to BMD, REMS provides the Fragility Score, which looks at the internal structure and strength of your bones
✅ Detects risk even with “Normal” and Osteopenia BMD – The Fragility Score can highlight risks in patients whose DEXA scans may show normal or osteopenia bone density
✅ Comfortable and Quick – Once the REMS technician begins, the scan takes just 80 seconds for the spine and only 40 seconds per femur—quick, comfortable, and completely non-invasive.
✅ Clinically Proven Through Robust Scientific Research (7)
✅ Dr. Referral NOT required.
Why This Matters
Knowing your Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is important—but it’s not the full picture. You can have enough bone mass and still be at risk of fracture if the structure (Quality) of your bone is low. REMS is unique because it gives you both sides of the story—how much bone you have and how strong it is.
This empowers you, your Doctor and Health Care Specialist to:
- Identify risks earlier – Detect signs of bone weakness before a fracture occurs
- Make better-informed treatment decisions – Combine BMD and Fragility Score for a more complete picture
- Track your progress over time – Monitor your bone health without the need for repeated radiation exposure
- Detect hidden bone fragility – Even when BMD appears normal, REMS can uncover structural weaknesses
- Enable more personalised care – Support tailored treatment plans based on both bone density and strength
- Safe for frequent monitoring – Completely radiation-free, making it suitable for younger patients, long-term tracking, and those with existing medical conditions
- Fast and comfortable – The scan takes just minutes, with results available immediately
- Improve peace of mind – Know your bone health status and take control before problems arise
Bringing REMS to You
At Screen My Bones Australia, we’re proud to be the first clinic in Adelaide to offer REMS technology.
Our mission is to make bone health assessments more accessible, affordable, and comfortable, especially for those most at risk.
Whether you’re managing an existing diagnosis, recovering from a fracture, or simply want peace of mind, a REMS scan can provide valuable insight—and help you take control of your bone health before a fracture occurs.
Final Thoughts
Bone fractures are often preventable. With innovative tools like REMS, we now have the power to shift from a reactive approach to proactive: identifying risks early, protecting bone strength, and helping people stay active and independent for longer.
Strong Bones Matter for a stronger future—for all of us.
The best time to check your bones was yesterday. The next best time is today. BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW!
Call Vicky on 0404 6622 11 if you are interedted to book a session for you 🙂
Reference:
(1) Healthy Bones Australia.
The Cost and Burden of Poor Bone Health in Australia
https://healthybonesaustralia.org.au
(2) Osteoporosis Australia (now Healthy Bones Australia).
Fractures and Bone Health Statistics
https://osteoporosis.org.au (redirects to Healthy Bones Australia)
(3) International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF).
Facts and Statistics about Osteoporosis
https://www.iofbonehealth.org/facts-statistics
(4) AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare).
Osteoporosis Snapshot – Australian Government Data Portal
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/osteoporosis
(5) Bolland MJ, Grey A, et al. (2020).
The risk of fracture and osteoporosis in older adults – Journal of Bone and Mineral Research
(Use this if referencing peer-reviewed data for clinical audiences.)
(6)Echolight Medical – REMS Clinical Validation and Technology Overview
→ https://echolight.it/en
(7) Echolight Medical – https://www.echolightmedical.com/en/research/