Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss, can impact your strength, mobility, and overall health if left unaddressed. At The Laurel Highlands Center in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, physicians Courtney Floyd, MD, and Ryan Floyd, MD, offer a Sarcopenia Program designed to identify muscle loss early and restore strength through a comprehensive, medically guided approach. By combining advanced body composition testing, metabolic evaluation, and personalized care, they help you maintain muscle, improve function, and support long-term health. Call the office or book your appointment online today to get started.

What is sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by the gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, often associated with aging but also influenced by lifestyle, chronic conditions, and metabolic health. While some muscle loss is a natural part of aging, significant declines can affect your balance, mobility, and independence.

Sarcopenia doesn’t just impact physical strength; it can also slow your metabolism, increase fat accumulation, and raise your risk of falls, injuries, and chronic disease.

What causes sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia develops due to a combination of factors that affect muscle health over time.

Common contributing factors include:

• Aging and natural hormonal changes
• Rapid weight loss 
• Low physical activity or prolonged inactivity
• Poor nutrition, especially low protein intake
• Chronic conditions such as diabetes or inflammatory diseases
• Metabolic imbalances

At The Laurel Highlands Center, your provider evaluates these underlying factors to better understand your muscle health and guide treatment.

How does the Sarcopenia Program work?

The Sarcopenia Program takes a comprehensive, medical approach to diagnosing and treating muscle loss. Your care begins with a detailed evaluation that may include body composition analysis to measure muscle mass, fat distribution, and bone density.

Advanced tools, such as DEXA scans, provide precise insights into how your body is changing, enabling your provider to create a targeted, personalized plan.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Strength and resistance training recommendations
• Nutrition guidance with a focus on protein intake
• Metabolic and hormone evaluation
• Medications for fat loss or muscle growth, when appropriate
• Ongoing monitoring to track muscle and fat changes

This approach focuses on rebuilding and preserving muscle while improving overall metabolic health.

What are the risks of untreated sarcopenia?

Without intervention, sarcopenia can lead to decreased strength, reduced mobility, and a higher risk of falls and fractures. It can also contribute to weight gain, fatigue, and loss of independence over time.

Sarcopenia is also closely linked to other health conditions, including osteoporosis, obesity, and metabolic disorders, making early detection and treatment especially important.

How can this program improve my long-term health?

The Sarcopenia Program helps you take a proactive approach to maintaining strength and function as you age. By improving muscle mass and metabolic health, you can enhance your energy, stability, and overall quality of life.

With personalized care and ongoing support, you can build sustainable habits that protect your muscle health and help you stay active and independent. Call The Laurel Highlands Center or book your appointment online today to begin your personalized plan.