Use It or Lose It: What Happens to Muscle After 40

Muscle
Written By Kirra Health .

Muscle isn’t just strength—it’s function. And after 40, your muscle doesn’t quietly fade. It declines faster than you think, and unless you actively work to maintain it, it can dramatically impact how you move, feel, and age.

Let’s unpack what’s happening—and what you can do about it.

The Muscle Decline Starts Earlier Than You Think

You don’t have to be “old” to start losing muscle. In fact, most men begin to experience age-related muscle loss (called sarcopenia) starting in their 30s (and so do women, but it may be more pronounced around menopause due to the decline in estrogen). On average, we lose 3–5% of our muscle mass each decade, accelerating after 60. Over time, that adds up to more than a 30% loss over a lifetime.

But it’s not just about size. Strength and function decline even faster than mass—and that has real consequences for balance, injury risk, and independence.

Why It Happens: More Than Just Getting Older

Sarcopenia is complex and involves a mix of factors:

  • Aging and nerve-muscle changes

  • Decreased physical activity

  • Lower testosterone and growth hormone levels

  • Inadequate protein intake or poor nutrition

  • Chronic inflammation

The result? Less stability, slower recovery, and greater difficulty with basic movement.

What the Research Says About Muscle + Function

Recent clinical studies on Emsculpt NEO—a non-invasive treatment combining radiofrequency (RF) and high-intensity electromagnetic stimulation (HIFEM)—are shedding light on powerful ways to restore functional strength:

✅ A 2024 study of adults aged 32–83 with muscle atrophy showed a 3x greater increase in muscle strength in those receiving active HIFEM+RF treatments versus placebo.

✅ 95% reported improved physical comfort, and 90% noticed better muscle activation and re-education—meaning their muscles were firing more effectively post-treatment.

✅ 80% said their treated muscles felt less prone to injury after just 4 sessions.

Another study focused on joint function found:

✅ A 62% improvement in lower-body pain, stiffness, and function (WOMAC score).

✅ A 49% improvement in upper-body function (DASH score).

✅ Most participants reported less pain, better mobility, and improved range of motion—even in previously injured areas.

At Kirra, we believe muscle recovery and function—paired with strength training and smart nutrition—build a kind of resilience that medication alone can’t achieve.

What Happens If You Ignore It?

🔻 Loss of balance, mobility, and strength

🔻 Increased risk of falls and fractures

🔻 Muscle replaced by fat, leading to slowed metabolism and insulin resistance

🔻 Greater risk of frailty and loss of independence

The Bottom Line

Muscle loss after 40 is real—but it’s not your destiny.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing joint pain, or just starting to feel “less strong,” now is the time to protect what matters most: your strength, function, and freedom.

In the next article, we’ll explore how muscle health supports hormones and metabolism, especially in midlife.

Ready to reclaim your edge?

Book a free consult at Kirra Health to explore your options for strength, recovery, and functional longevity.

References

Kirra Health .
Previous

Muscle: Your Metabolism’s Secret Weapon
Next

Beyond Biceps: Why Muscle is Key to a Longer, Stronger Life