Muscle wasting, muscles shrinking from disuse

Muscle wasting

Muscle wasting is when muscles shrink and weaken because they are not being used. It happens quickly during long bed rest or after an illness that stops normal movement.

This matters because weaker muscles make standing, walking and self care harder. It can start a cycle where weakness leads to less movement, and less movement to more weakness.

Our physiotherapist starts gentle strengthening as soon as it is safe. We use movements the person can manage at home, then build them up so muscle and confidence return together. Steady daily practice is what keeps the muscle from fading again.