The look on someone’s face when you tell them they are able to grow taller at any age is absolutely priceless.
“Are you like a doctor or something?”
No, but I have experience helping over 1,500 people increase their height. Has it been scientifically proven? Yes, it actually has. If you’ve spent enough time exploring PubMed like I have, you would have found this research too.
So, by what mechanisms can you actually grow taller?
1. Endochondral Ossification of the Articular Cartilage
Endochondral ossification is the process where cartilage is replaced by bone. It consists of several steps:
- Cartilage formation: A cartilage model is first created in the shape of the future bone.
- Growth of cartilage: Chondrocytes (cartilage cells) proliferate and expand this model.
- Calcification: In the central region of the cartilage, chondrocytes enlarge and the matrix begins mineralizing, hardening the cartilage.
- Blood vessel invasion: Blood vessels and osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) invade the calcified cartilage, delivering osteogenic cells.
- Osteoblast activity: Osteoblasts lay down bone matrix over calcified cartilage, forming trabeculae (spongy bone).
- Formation of the bone collar: On the outer surface, mesenchymal cells differentiate into osteoblasts and form a collar of compact bone.
Endochondral ossification is the primary mechanism of growth during puberty. Growth plates (epiphyseal plates) elongate, then eventually close once the cartilage is fully ossified. However, many don’t realize that endochondral ossification can also occur at the level of the articular cartilage (the cartilage you retain throughout life).
Quick overview here: ScienceDirect – Endochondral Ossification
2. Wolff’s Law
Proposed by German anatomist and surgeon Julius Wolff in the late 19th century, Wolff’s Law describes how bone adapts to mechanical stresses placed upon it.
In simple terms: bones remodel in response to load.
- Increased mechanical stress = stronger and denser bone.
- Reduced stress = weaker bone due to resorption.
This adaptive process is mediated by osteoblasts (bone builders) and osteoclasts (bone resorbers). Importantly, Wolff’s Law never stops functioning. Age does not exempt you. This is why—even at 60—bones continue adapting to the forces you place on them. With the correct movements and loading patterns, elongation stimuli can be applied to bones.
3. Bone Remodeling
Bone remodeling balances bone resorption (osteoclast activity) and bone formation (osteoblast activity).
- Osteoclasts break down bone matrix by secreting acids and enzymes.
- Osteoblasts build new bone by producing collagen, proteins, and initiating mineralization with calcium and phosphate.
Factors influencing bone remodeling include:
- Hormones (PTH, calcitonin, growth factors)
- Mechanical loading (exercise, resistance training)
- Local signaling molecules (cytokines, proteins in bone microenvironments)
Phases of remodeling:
- Resorption Phase: Osteoclasts create a resorption lacuna and dissolve bone.
- Reversal Phase: Bone surface rests and prepares for rebuilding.
- Formation Phase: Osteoblasts produce osteoid (unmineralized bone matrix).
- Mineralization: Calcium and phosphate harden the osteoid into mature bone.
Bone remodeling is continuous and lifelong, making it another mechanism of adaptation after puberty.
4. Chondrogenesis
Chondrogenesis refers to the growth and development of cartilage itself. Unlike endochondral ossification, chondrogenesis is about increasing cartilage tissue directly.
Cartilage accounts for around 20% of your total height, especially due to the intervertebral discs in your spine. If disc cartilage expands, your spine lengthens—and so does your height.
Does chondrogenesis stop after puberty? No. Cartilage can continue to adapt and grow under the right conditions, regardless of age.
If you want to level up your knowledge and take action to increase your height (2–4 inches annually after puberty), check out my program here: