Loss of strength refers to a reduction in the ability to exert muscular force. This can have many causes, ranging from aging and musculoskeletal injuries to neurological or metabolic disorders. Some key things to know about loss of strength:
Causes
- Aging: As we get older, there is natural decline in muscle mass and strength, typically beginning around age 30-40. This condition is called sarcopenia.
- Injuries: Injuries to muscles, bones, tendons or nerves can result in weakness in the affected area. Common examples are rotator cuff tears, ACL tears, carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Medical conditions: Diseases affecting the muscles, nerves or metabolism can also cause weakness. These include muscular dystrophies, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, thyroid disorders.
Effects
Loss of strength can have major impacts on one's quality of life:
- Difficulty with daily tasks like climbing stairs, carrying groceries
- Increase risk of falls and fractures
- Reduced mobility and independence
- Negative effects on self-confidence and mood
Treatment
- Exercise: Strength training can help rebuild muscle mass and strength. This may include weight lifting, resistance bands, bodyweight exercises.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can provide customized exercise programs and techniques to improve strength.
- Medications/hormones: Depending on the underlying cause, medications may help improve muscle strength. At Vitality Hormone Clinic, we offer customized hormone therapy programs to help both men and women struggling with age-related loss of strength.
- Surgery: Procedures like tendon repair or carpal tunnel release can help improve strength impaired by injury.
The bottom line is that loss of strength can result from many factors. Identifying the cause with a doctor's help is key, so that appropriate treatment can be determined. Therapies like strength training, physical therapy, hormone optimization, and sometimes surgery can all help restore strength and improve function.
Contact Vitality Hormone Clinic today for a consultation if you think hormone imbalance may be contributing to your loss of muscle strength.