Q Since my surgery, my muscle strength has really dropped and my legs wobble even just climbing stairs. Why have I become so weak?
A Even a few days of bed rest after surgery can cause a noticeable decrease in muscle mass, and if protein intake is also insufficient due to fasting or loss of appetite, muscle weakness becomes more pronounced. Recovering muscle strength and digestion together helps regain strength.
Detailed Answer
Even just a few days of lying down after surgery can cause muscle mass to noticeably decrease. On top of that, if protein intake drops due to fasting or poor appetite, muscle weakness worsens and even light movement can cause wobbling. During recovery, it's important to focus on protein-rich nutrition while gradually increasing activity within a safe range to rebuild strength.
Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective
In Korean Medicine, muscle strength is seen as connected to the energy the digestive system (spleen-stomach) extracts from food. When digestion and absorption weaken, even eating well doesn't translate into muscle. That's why Dongjedang first works to restore the disrupted digestive rhythm and replenish qi and blood, so that what you eat actually turns into strength.
Related FAQs
-
Q
Does herbal medicine really speed up recovery after surgery? I want to know honestly how much I should expect.
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I had major surgery — can I fully recover to how I was before? Or is some degree of change something I have to accept?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
Since my surgery, on top of fatigue, I'm also dealing with indigestion, insomnia, and low mood all at once. Can these improve together too?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
They say not to overexert after surgery, but also that lying down too much is bad. I'm confused about how much I should move.
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
Since my surgery, I wake up often at night, maybe because of the pain, and can't sleep deeply. How can I recover my sleep?
#Lifestyle Management