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Muscle atrophy, or muscle deterioration, is the thinning or loss of muscle mass. It is often caused by a lack of muscle use, but can also be caused by malnutrition, age, genetics, or certain medical conditions. The treatment for muscle atrophy depends on the type, but often includes exercise, nutrition, and physical therapy. While there is currently no cure for skeletal muscle atrophy, it is possible to slow or reverse muscle deterioration with regular exercise and a healthy diet.
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What You'll Learn
Exercise and physical therapy
Your healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy, which can include ultrasound therapy, or an exercise plan. Physical therapy treatment for muscle weakness combines strengthening exercises with movements to increase balance and stability, building muscle safely and effectively. Progressive strengthening exercises are the foundation of treatment for muscle weakness. Exercises are specifically chosen to match the specific activities that are limited. These include movements for muscle strength, hypertrophy, or power. These movements also help improve function and range of motion in nearby joints.
Supervised aerobic exercise training has been shown to be safe and effective in improving oxidative capacity and muscle function in patients with various muscle disorders, including muscular dystrophies and metabolic myopathies. Strength training, which involves repeated muscle contractions against resistance, can also improve muscle strength and endurance. Moderate-intensity aerobic activities and low-to-moderate strength training can improve overall fitness.
In addition to structured regimens, simply enhancing your daily physical activity or moving more can be beneficial. Exercises can be tailored to your individual needs and preferences, and can help improve your mood, overall performance, and ability to perform daily tasks.
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Healthy diet and nutrition
A healthy diet and good nutrition are key to treating muscle deterioration. Nutrient-rich foods that are high in protein are particularly important for preserving muscle tissue and preventing muscle loss.
Protein is made up of amino acids, which help with growth and cell repair. Animal sources such as meat, eggs, and milk provide the best ratios of amino acids. However, it is recommended to choose lean meats and low-fat dairy to avoid high levels of saturated fat. For example, chicken, salmon, and tuna are good sources of protein, as well as being full of vitamins and minerals. Greek yogurt is also a good option, as it has a higher protein content than regular yogurt.
If you are unable to get enough protein from your diet, protein powders can be added to meals like oatmeal, shakes, and yogurt. Drinks or meals with a carbohydrate-to-protein ratio of three-to-one or four-to-one consumed within 30 minutes after a workout can maximize muscle growth and improve recovery.
In addition to animal sources, plant-based proteins can also help meet your protein needs. Pumpkin seeds, for instance, are a good source of protein and healthy fats, as well as providing high levels of vitamin K and B vitamins, which support the body's natural repair mechanisms. Legumes are another plant-based source of protein that can help treat muscle deterioration.
Essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation has been proposed as a possible strategy to preserve muscle functionality. Studies have shown that EAA supplementation can help maintain muscle protein synthesis and protect functional abilities. However, it does not appear to have an effect on muscle mass.
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Address underlying medical conditions
Addressing underlying medical conditions is crucial when treating muscle deterioration, also known as muscle atrophy or sarcopenia. This condition is characterised by a loss of muscle tissue, leading to a decrease in muscle mass, strength, and function. While muscle atrophy can be caused by various factors, such as malnutrition, age, genetics, or lack of physical activity, it is important to identify and treat any underlying health issues that may be contributing to the problem.
If you suspect muscle deterioration, it is essential to seek medical advice and undergo a comprehensive examination to identify any underlying conditions. For example, neuromuscular disorders, such as muscular dystrophy, can lead to progressive muscle weakness and wasting. Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited diseases that interfere with the production of proteins necessary for healthy muscle development. It causes weakness and the wasting away of muscle tissue, leading to loss of strength, increasing disability, and possible deformity. If muscular dystrophy is left untreated, it can result in complications such as difficulty walking, trouble using arms, breathing problems, a curved spine (scoliosis), and heart issues. Therefore, addressing this underlying condition is crucial in treating muscle deterioration.
Another underlying condition that may cause muscle atrophy is sarcopenia, which is specifically associated with ageing. As people grow older, their bodies may undergo changes in hormone levels, such as testosterone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), which can affect muscle fibres and lead to sarcopenia. This condition can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, making it challenging to perform daily tasks and potentially leading to a loss of independence. Therefore, addressing sarcopenia as an underlying condition is essential in treating muscle deterioration in older adults.
Treating the underlying medical conditions that contribute to muscle deterioration may involve a combination of approaches, including lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and drug or gene therapy. For instance, in the case of muscular dystrophy, drug therapy with steroids or immunosuppressive drugs can help slow muscle deterioration and damage to muscle cells. Additionally, physical therapy can improve movement, maintain flexibility, and prevent contractures. Furthermore, gene therapy offers potential by addressing the primary cause of the disease and promoting the production of missing or underproduced proteins.
In summary, addressing underlying medical conditions is a critical aspect of treating muscle deterioration. By seeking medical advice, identifying conditions such as muscular dystrophy or sarcopenia, and implementing appropriate treatments, individuals can effectively manage their muscle health and improve their overall well-being.
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Medication and supplements
While there are no FDA-approved medications to treat muscle deterioration or sarcopenia, there are several supplements that can help support muscle growth. Sarcopenia is the age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. It is a type of muscle atrophy primarily caused by the natural ageing process, but it can be prevented or reversed with lifestyle changes.
Creatine
Creatine is a molecule naturally produced in your body, providing energy for your muscles and other tissues. Taking it as a dietary supplement can increase muscle creatine content and improve strength, exercise performance, and muscle size. Creatine can also increase water content in your muscle cells, which may cause them to swell slightly and produce signals for muscle growth. It may also increase levels of hormones involved in muscle growth, such as IGF-1. Creatine is likely the single best supplement for muscle gain and has a positive safety profile.
Protein
Protein helps promote muscle mass and strength. Research suggests 25 to 30 grams of protein with each meal may help prevent sarcopenia. The amino acid leucine is particularly important for regulating muscle growth. Rich sources of leucine include whey protein, meat, fish, eggs, and soy protein isolate.
Vitamins
Vitamin D and E supplements have been shown to preserve muscle mass and strength and enhance quality of life in sarcopenic older adults. Vitamin C has the potential to treat or prevent muscle atrophy, as vitamin C deficiency has been linked to muscle atrophy in mice. Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to reduce age-related muscle loss in middle-aged and older adults.
Minerals
Minerals play an important role in muscle metabolism and function. Calcium and magnesium deficiencies can induce muscle atrophy. A randomized controlled trial showed that magnesium supplementation for 12 weeks in healthy elderly women may improve or delay the age-related decline in muscle performance and strength.
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Electrical stimulation
The specific techniques and parameters of electrical stimulation therapy can vary depending on the individual's needs and the underlying cause of their muscle deterioration. The therapy is typically administered by a trained healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist or neurologist, who can adjust the intensity, frequency, and duration of the electrical currents to achieve the desired outcome.
In addition to electrical stimulation therapy, individuals with neurogenic atrophy may also benefit from other treatments such as exercise therapy, nutritional support, and medication. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, as the effectiveness of electrical stimulation therapy can vary depending on the specific cause of the muscle deterioration.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle atrophy is the thinning or loss of muscle mass, usually from a lack of muscle use. It can be caused by malnutrition, age, genetics, a lack of physical activity, or certain medical conditions.
Muscle atrophy can make daily activities challenging and dangerous. If muscle atrophy occurs in the limbs, you may feel tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms and legs. If it occurs in the face or throat, your facial muscles may feel weak, and you may find it difficult to speak or swallow.
The treatment for muscle atrophy depends on the type. Physiologic atrophy, caused by a lack of physical activity, can often be reversed with regular exercise and a healthy diet. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist or recommend nutritional supplements. Neurogenic atrophy, caused by nerve damage, typically cannot be reversed but can be treated with a special kind of physical therapy called electrical stimulation.
To prevent muscle atrophy, it is important to maintain muscle mass through regular exercise, especially a combination of aerobic exercise, resistance training, and balance training. Any amount of movement can help, even if you are unable to do intense exercise due to a pre-existing condition.
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