What is the first treatment tried for sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia involves reduced muscle strength and muscle function. The initial plan aims to make everyday movement safer and easier by gradually challenging the muscles used for standing, walking, lifting and climbing. A clinician may assess balance, walking ability, recent falls, medicines, activity level and dietary intake before choosing exercises. The programme is adjusted to your starting ability rather than copied from another person.

A review can also look for health problems that contribute to weakness, such as reduced mobility or difficulty eating enough. Treatment may combine exercise with nutrition advice when appropriate.

Arrange an assessment with a doctor, physiotherapist or rehabilitation professional. Begin with the prescribed level of resistance and practise the movements with safe technique. Progression may involve resistance bands, body-weight movements or supervised weights. Keep a record of fatigue, balance changes and activities that remain difficult. If walking confidence is low, a falls-prevention plan can sit alongside exercise. Explore [Exercise Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/exercise-therapy/), [Strength Training Rehabilitation](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/strength-training-rehabilitation/) and [Falls Prevention Programme](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/falls-prevention-programme/).

Seek prompt medical advice for weakness that appears suddenly, repeated falls, a new inability to stand or walk, severe breathlessness, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing. Arrange a review if weakness is steadily worsening, exercise causes unusual pain, or you cannot complete normal daily tasks. These features can have causes other than sarcopenia and need assessment.

Ask which muscle groups need attention, how often to practise, how progress will be checked, and whether nutrition or another health condition could be affecting strength.