What to expect from exercise therapy for sarcopenia

Your physiotherapist may check walking, chair transfers, balance, grip or leg strength, fatigue, and how safely you move. Sessions can use sit-to-stand practice, supported squats, step work, resistance bands, light weights, and walking intervals. The starting level is adjusted to your ability, other health conditions, and recovery after activity. Progress is usually made by changing resistance, repetitions, balance demands, or time rather than rushing to a harder exercise.

Attend consistently and practise the agreed home exercises with the technique shown. Move slowly, breathe normally, and use a stable support when balance work requires it. Mild muscle effort can be expected, but tell the therapist if pain, unusual breathlessness, dizziness, or marked weakness changes your ability to exercise. Regular meals, adequate fluids, and recovery time can help you participate; discuss nutrition support with your clinician if appetite or weight has changed.

Stop an exercise and seek prompt medical advice for chest pressure, fainting, severe breathlessness, a new fall injury, sudden one-sided weakness, or confusion. Arrange a review if pain steadily worsens, fatigue lasts unusually long after sessions, or you are losing the ability to stand, walk, or manage usual tasks. These changes may mean the programme needs reassessment or another problem needs attention.

Ask which movements are safe with your other conditions, how progress will be measured, what level of soreness is acceptable, and when resistance should change. You can read more about [Sarcopenia](/conditions/sarcopenia/) and [Exercise Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/exercise-therapy/).