OsteoStrong Brings Osteogenic Loading Technology to Chicagoland

When entrepreneur Marc Malizia learned about OsteoStrong, a nationwide franchise that uses robotic musculoskeletal treatment devices to help its members build bone and muscular strength, he became curious and joined as a member. He was immediately impressed by OsteoStrong’s unique approach toward strengthening bones, as well as the ambiance of the facility.

“It’s a happy place, where like-minded people interested in alternative approaches gather to improve their lifestyles,” Malizia recalls. “It has a positive impact on people’s lives, and I wanted to be part of it.”

Malizia approached OsteoStrong Schaumburg owner Lyndon Sumlin about the possibility of becoming an OsteoStrong franchisee. Today, Malizia and Sumlin, along with a third business partner, Jason Stewart, own OsteoStrong offices in Schaumburg and Wilmette—the only two OsteoStrong locations in Illinois.

The OsteoStrong franchise was launched in 2011 by entrepreneur Kyle Zagrodzky and biomedical engineer Dr. John Jaquish. The OsteoStrong concept is based on the Wolff’s Law principle taught in medical school, Malizia explains, which states that force placed upon the bones will trigger osteogenesis in the body and promote the natural rebuilding of bones through osteoblasts, the cells that build and heal bones.

OsteoStrong’s osteogenic loading technology uses force to stimulate new bone growth and improve muscle density and balance. Each center has four machines that resemble gym equipment, but the machines don’t move—the user pushes against the machines’ force.

“It puts the load on you, and you put the load on it,” Malizia says. “The members can push up to 4.2 times their body weight, and that force compresses the bone for a short period of time to achieve osteogenesis.”

Malizia adds that the machines are designed in a way that users start the exercises at 120 degree angles, the body’s strongest position, and users can gradually increase their loads. A certified OsteoStrong coach is present during the entire session to guide and supervise each member during use.

Potential members can request a phone consult to see if OsteoStrong is a good fit for them. If a person is qualified and interested, they will receive one free in-center introduction appointment to learn about the machines and modalities. Upon joining, members can come in for osteogenic loading as frequently as once per week; Malizia notes that it takes about five days for bones to rebuild.

While exercises such as running, walking, swimming and weight lifting are beneficial, they do not effectively build bone. Malizia says that gymnasts have been shown to have the greatest bone density, due to their forceful landings on mats. OsteoStrong’s technology allows users to emulate comparable levels of force, but without the risk of injury.

Complementary Modalities to Support Overall Health

OsteoStrong’s Illinois locations also feature complementary modalities such as a BioCharger NG, a noninvasive device that Malizia says restores electrical cell frequency, and compression boots, which he says compress and massage the legs to stimulate blood flow and aid the removal of metabolic waste.

Exclusive to OsteoStrong’s two Chicago area locations is the Echolight bone density scan device, which Malizia says provides for cutting-edge technology bone health assessments. “In Europe, Echolight is replacing bone mineral density (DEXA) scans as the de facto standard of bone scans,” Malizia says. Echolight uses ultrasound technology and is radiation-free.

A trained Echolight technician uses an ultrasound wand to scan the lumbar vertebrae and proximal femur while the patient lies flat on an exam table. The test takes less than 15 minutes, and Echolight generates a report that includes bone mass density, along with T-scores and Z-scores.

Malizia will also add red light therapy to their OsteoStrong locations. This year, they plan to participate in community events and health fairs.

“Many of our members have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia,” he says. “But bone health programs can help people be proactive and prevent or lessen the damage. Athletes can also achieve a better workout after using OsteoStrong.”