With appropriate knowledge and management, physical therapy with GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy can truly complement each other.
Since 2021, GLP-1 prescriptions have become more prevalent. A major reason for this is because these medications are being prescribed to help with obesity, not just diabetes anymore. 1 in 8 American adults have taken a GLP-1 medication.
What do GLP-1 medications do? They mimic the function of a glucagon-like peptide-1, which is a naturally occurring hormone in our bodies that regulates insulin, appetite, and food intake. These medications stimulate weight loss through several mechanisms: appetite suppression, slowed gastric emptying, influence on food preferences, and by improving insulin sensitivity. These medications are most effective when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
So where does physical therapy come in?
Unfortunately, prolonged, systemic inflammation is a characteristic of diabetes and obesity. This can lead to: joint degradation, impaired muscle/tendon health, increased risk of fractures, and fibrosis of muscle tissue. Nine out of 10 obese adults have nagging musculoskeletal issues and more than half of diabetic adults suffer from aches and pains, too.
However, when the weight comes off from using GLP-1 medications, it isn’t only fat/adipose a person loses—people lose muscle mass as well! That is a huge problem! Along with giving you strength, it’s important to realize that skeletal muscle is the “body’s metabolic engine” that regulates blood sugar. So if you consider the effects of chronic inflammation on current muscle mass and then losing the muscle mass you already have, it can be a recipe for disaster. Your body can lose physical strength and the ability to keep blood sugar in check!
PT Builds Muscle, Mobility and More
This is where physical therapists come in! With guided therapeutic exercises for mobility, injury recovery, and holistic health management, Balanced Fitness & Health is able to enhance outcomes for people who take GLP-1 medications. We can increase your activity, reduce your pain, and encourage you in managing your overall health.
Physical therapy increases your mobility and functional ability!
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Physical therapy can improve strength, flexibility, and overall mobility, which can help enhance the effectiveness of GLP-1s in promoting a more active lifestyle.
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Physical therapy provides safe and effective ways for you to keep moving while you lose weight.
Physical therapy supports injury recovery!
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As mentioned previously, 90 percent of obese adults have a nagging musculoskeletal condition, and more than 50 percent of adults with diabetes complain of musculoskeletal conditions. So if you have existing joint and muscle pain, let us help you with it while your GLP-1 prescription continues to manage weight and metabolic health.
Physical therapy offers a holistic approach!
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Supplementing medication management for obesity/diabetes, our physical therapists can educate you and offer integrative strategies that help reduce systemic inflammation to improve your health.
Whether you visit our physical therapy clinics in Cedar Rapids or Hiawatha, our caring team will be there for you! It is our mission to keep you motivated and accountable so you can achieve your goals and maintain the positive lifestyle changes that come with GLP-1s! If you are working with your doctor to lose weight, consider adding Balanced Fitness & Health to your healthcare team. Contact us to learn more about PT with GLP-1 medications.