For The Health of It: keeping the mass as we age
Tyler Ryan and Hima Dalal discuss Sacropenia and the options for keeping muscle
COLUMBIA SC (WOLO) –
Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and
strength, primarily affecting older adults. This decline impacts mobility, endurance, and
metabolic health, while increasing the risk of falls and frailty.
Causes of Sarcopenia:
1. Aging: Natural aging reduces muscle protein synthesis, leading to gradual muscle loss.
2. Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity accelerates muscle decline.
3. Nutritional Deficiencies: Insufficient protein intake, vitamin D deficiency, and low
caloric intake contribute to muscle wasting.
4. Chronic Inflammation: Low-grade inflammation from diseases like arthritis, diabetes, or
cardiovascular conditions can contribute to sarcopenia.
5. Hormonal Changes: Decline in anabolic hormones such as testosterone, growth
hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).
6. Chronic Illnesses: Conditions such as cancer, COPD, and renal disease increase the
risk of sarcopenia.
Holistic and Integrative Treatment for Sarcopenia:
1. Nutrition Therapy: Emphasize a diet rich in high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids,
and essential vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin D and calcium, to support
muscle health and bone density.
2. Exercise Prescription: Incorporating resistance training, aerobic exercise, and flexibility
training to build muscle mass, improve strength, and enhance endurance. This helps
counter the decline in functional mobility.
3. Energy Medicine and Reiki: Practices like Reiki help to balance the body's energy
fields, potentially supporting healing processes, reducing fatigue, and improving overall
vitality.
4. Craniosacral Therapy: This gentle, hands-on therapy can reduce physical and
emotional stress, enhance relaxation, and promote mobility by addressing fascial
restrictions that may hinder muscular function.
5. Myofascial Release Therapy (CMFR): By relieving restrictions in the connective
tissues, myofascial release therapy can improve circulation, flexibility, and muscle
function, which is critical in sarcopenia management.
6. Yoga and Meditation: Yoga enhances flexibility, balance, and muscle strength, while
meditation helps reduce stress and improve mental focus, which can contribute to
healthier aging. Chair yoga or modified poses can benefit patients with limited mobility.
7. Hydrotherapy and Aquatic Exercise: Aquatic exercises reduce joint strain while
promoting muscle activation and strength gains, making it a safe option for older adults.
Integrative Rehabilitation Approach:
An integrative rehabilitation program for sarcopenia could combine traditional rehab methods
with holistic therapies:
● Personalized Exercise Programs: Designed to strengthen specific muscles that are
weakened, particularly in the abdomen, legs, and back, while promoting balance and
flexibility.
● Manual Therapy: Includes massage, stretching, and myofascial release to enhance
muscle recovery, reduce stiffness, and improve circulation.
● Breathing Techniques: Engaging patients in diaphragmatic breathing exercises to
improve oxygenation and core stability, which can also enhance muscle function in the
abdomen.
● Mind-Body Practices: Combining energy medicine, meditation, and yoga for improving
mental clarity, emotional resilience, and body awareness, which helps motivate
continued participation in physical therapy.
Conclusion:
Sarcopenia requires a multifaceted approach that integrates physical rehabilitation with holistic
therapies. As an integrative occupational therapist, I believe that combining energy medicine,
myofascial release, and yoga with conventional rehabilitation can help mitigate muscle loss,
improve quality of life, and enhance both the physical and emotional well-being of the aging
population.
For further questions or to learn more about our services, please visit
www.himadalalintegrativehealth.com. You can also experience energy meditation by visiting
our Facebook page.
