OsteoStrong expands ABQ presence

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The regional developers of the OsteoStrong wellness centers in Albuquerque have just opened a second facility to promote their alternative to osteoporosis medications.

Osteogenic loading, the basis of the program, puts high pressure on the musculoskeletal system to grow denser bone mass, said franchise owner Charla Simpson, who recently opened the new location at 10131 Coos Blvd. NW. She said the membership-based program, which consists of a weekly 10-minute session of four short, high-impact movements, is serving 300-plus metro-area residents who pay up to $80 for the treatments on month-to-month contracts. Healthcare insurance doesn’t cover OsteoStrong.

Simpson, a former radiologic technologist who specialized in pain management, said OsteoStrong is an opportunity to give patients a more holistic option for brittle bones associated with osteoporosis.

“There definitely is a time and a place for medical science and drug regimens, but some patients experience negative side effects with certain osteoporosis medicines” and are looking for other options, said Simpson, who acquired the franchising rights to open stores in New Mexico and Colorado over the next 10 years.

Joining Simpson in the enterprise is husband Sean Simpson, who still works his day job as a scientist at Sandia National Labs. As regional developers, the couple, who own two of the stores outright, opened their first studio in October 2013. They sold an OsteoStrong franchise at a third location in the Midtown area at 4360 Cutler Ave NE.

In addition to operating two of the centers with seven employees, the Simpsons are hoping to sign up new franchise owners. The cost for launching a business is in the $90,000 range, which includes the franchise fee, the cost of the equipment and ongoing training and development.

The program was developed by John Jaquish, of Chicago, a biomechanical engineer, who invented and patented the BioDensity device and computer system. In research published in the journal Osteoporosis International, Jaquish said volunteers developed an average of 7 percent greater bone density moving multiples of their body weight with his equipment. In addition, the Mayo Clinic website said that exercise program has been shown to reduce bone loss, improve balance and reduce back pain, although it suggests more research is needed.