Loss of strength refers to a reduction in the ability to exert force with muscles. This can occur due to several factors like aging, injuries, illnesses, nutritional deficiencies, lack of physical activity, hormonal changes, and more. Some key things to know:
What causes loss of strength?
- Aging: Muscle mass and strength tend to decrease with age. After age 30, adults lose 3-5% of muscle mass per decade. This accelerates after age 60.
- Lack of physical activity: If muscles are not consistently challenged, they become weaker over time. Sedentary lifestyles cause noticeable strength declines.
- Injuries and illnesses: Injuries like fractures and tears can lead to immobilization, pain, and weakness. Illnesses like cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes can also impact strength.
- Hormonal changes: Shifts in testosterone, estrogen, growth hormone, and other hormones can negatively affect muscle mass and strength capacity.
How is loss of strength diagnosed?
Doctors often diagnose muscle weakness via:
- Patient reports of difficulty performing daily tasks like climbing stairs, carrying loads, etc.
- Manual muscle testing examining patient strength during resisted movements
- Electromyography measuring muscle electrical activity
- Blood tests checking for nutrient deficiencies impacting muscles
What are the consequences of reduced strength?
Loss of strength can:
- Increase risk of injuries from falls, overexertion, and accidents
- Reduce ability to perform daily activities like household chores, job tasks, exercise, etc.
- Lower bone mineral density since strength training stresses and strengthens bones
- Negatively impact confidence, self-esteem, and quality of life
Can lost strength be regained?
In many cases, yes! Strategies to rebuild lost strength include:
- Resistance training: Lifting weights provides progressive muscle overload to spark strength gains. This could use free weights, resistance bands, weight machines, or bodyweight exercises.
- Nutrient-dense diet: Consuming enough protein, vitamins, and minerals supports muscle growth and function.
- Hormone optimization: Under medical supervision, hormone medications can help address deficiencies impacting strength. The physicians at Vital Hormones Clinic specialize in customized hormone therapy to restore energy, strength, endurance and vitality.
- Physical therapy: PTs devise tailored strength training programs for injury rehab and strength improvement goals.
Regaining lost strength may require patience, consistency, hard work, and expert help. But for many adults, it is an achievable goal with life-changing benefits. Don't just accept aging, illness, and lost strength as inevitable. Instead, actively pursue strength gains through smart exercise, nutrition, hormone treatment if needed, and professional support. You have more power than you think!