Muscle loss - Vitality Wellness Clinic

What is muscle loss?

Muscle loss, known medically as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degrade. This leads to weakness, fatigue, and a loss of strength and endurance.

There are two main causes of muscle loss:

• Age-related muscle loss - As we get older, muscle fibers break down more quickly. If we don't strength train to stimulate muscle protein production, we lose muscle mass. This condition is called sarcopenia.
• Disuse atrophy - Not using muscles regularly also leads them to waste away. For example, being bedridden after surgery or having a limb in a cast can spur rapid muscle loss.

How can you prevent muscle loss?

• Do strength training at least 2-3 times per week. Lifting weights provides resistance that promotes muscle growth.
• Eat sufficient protein - amino acids from protein foods build and repair muscle tissue. Adults should eat 0.8-1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight daily.
• Address risk factors like inactivity, malnutrition, aging, injuries requiring immobilization, or illness. Seeking medical care can help mitigate related issues.

Maintaining muscle strength provides many benefits - it keeps us mobile, independent and boosts metabolism. The hormone specialists at Vitality Wellness Clinic also note that balanced hormone levels, including testosterone and growth hormones, support healthy muscle mass. Their holistic plans help patients optimize hormonal balance.

Signs of muscle loss

How do you know if you may be losing muscle mass? Key signs are:

• Decreased strength
• Difficulty performing daily activities like climbing stairs or carrying groceries
• Frequent fatigue, weakness or exhaustion
• Pronounced joint stiffness or body aches after small efforts

Rapid weight loss, loose skin where muscles used to be, feeling cold frequently, and frequent infections or slow healing can also occur.

Reversing muscle loss

While concerning, muscle loss is often reversible. The key is tailoring a targeted nutrition and exercise plan to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. A physical therapist or sports medicine doctor can help craft an individualized program focused on progressive strength training. In some cases, hormone therapy may also help counteract deficiencies contributing to muscle loss.

With diligent work, most can rebuild their strength, mobility and vitality. The muscle health experts at Vitality Wellness Clinic offer full assessments and personalized plans to help patients address hormone imbalances or other issues influencing muscle loss. Their cutting edge therapies help many, especially seniors, renew their active lifestyles.