WEAKNESS & MUSCLE LOSS

Physiotherapy for Weakness and Age-Related Muscle Loss

ACP helps older people improve or maintain strength, balance, mobility and function through individualised physiotherapy and exercise.

Resistance training equipment

What is happening to the muscles?

Muscle size and strength naturally change with ageing, but illness, bed rest and inactivity can speed up muscle loss. When muscles are used less, they lose their ability to produce force, making standing, walking and transfers harder.

How physiotherapy helps with this

Progressive resistance and functional exercise give muscles a reason to adapt. Physiotherapy can safely increase the challenge over time through strengthening, sit-to-stand practice, walking and other meaningful tasks.

What is Weakness?

Ageing can be associated with loss of muscle mass and strength. Inactivity, illness, hospitalisation and prolonged time in bed or a chair can make this worse.

What problems can people face?

Weakness can make it difficult to get out of a chair, stand, walk, climb steps, transfer and maintain balance.

What can happen when it is not addressed?

Progressive weakness can lead to greater dependence and reduced participation in everyday activities.

How ACP can help

ACP develops progressive programs using sit-to-stand, resistance exercises, functional strengthening, walking, balance and task-specific activities. The aim is to make strengthening relevant to everyday life.

When should physiotherapy be considered?

Consider an assessment when an older person is becoming slower, weaker, less active or more dependent.

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Other areas ACP can help with

Further information: Healthdirect Australia