The Role of the Physical Therapist in the Management of GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and similar drugs have rapidly changed the conversation around weight loss, metabolic health, and chronic disease management. For many people, these medications offer hope after years of frustration — improved blood sugar control, reduced appetite, and meaningful weight loss.
But as more individuals begin or consider GLP-1s, a new set of questions is emerging:
Why does my body feel weaker?
Why am I losing muscle instead of just fat?
Why does movement feel different than it used to?
How do I protect my long-term health while using this medication?
This is where physical therapy — when practiced through a holistic, whole-person lens — plays a critical and often overlooked role.
At Congruency Therapy & Wellness, we view GLP-1 management not just as a weight-loss strategy, but as a physiologic shift that deserves thoughtful, proactive support.
What Are GLP-1 Medications — And What Do They Do to the Body?
GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone involved in blood sugar regulation and appetite signaling. In simple terms, they:
Slow stomach emptying
Increase feelings of fullness
Reduce appetite
Improve insulin sensitivity
These effects can be powerful — and for many people, life-changing.
However, weight loss is not selective. Without intentional movement, strength training, and adequate fueling, the body may lose muscle mass along with fat.
And muscle is not just about appearance. It’s about preserving function and promoting longevity.
Why Muscle Health Matters More Than the Scale
Skeletal muscle is one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body. It plays a role in:
Blood sugar regulation
Joint stability and injury prevention
Balance and fall risk
Long-term mobility and independence
Hormonal and metabolic health
When muscle mass declines too quickly — a risk seen with rapid or appetite-suppressing weight loss — people may experience:
Generalized weakness
Joint pain or stiffness
Poor balance or coordination
Fatigue with everyday activities
Increased injury risk when returning to exercise
Rebound effects when coming off of these medications
This is where many people feel confused: “I’m losing weight, but I don’t feel better.”
Common Movement Challenges We See in People Using GLP-1s
From a physical therapist’s perspective, GLP-1 use can subtly — and sometimes significantly — affect movement patterns.
Common concerns include:
Decreased strength, especially in hips, core, and upper body
Reduced tolerance for load or resistance training
Balance changes related to muscle loss or altered fueling
Joint pain emerging as body mechanics shift
Difficulty knowing how hard or how often to exercise safely
These issues don’t mean GLP-1s are “bad.”
They mean the body needs guidance during change.
Why These Issues Often Persist (or Get Worse Without Support)
Many people assume they should “wait it out” or that weakness will resolve on its own. But several factors can cause problems to persist:
Appetite suppression leading to inadequate protein intake
Avoidance of resistance training due to fatigue or fear
Over-reliance on cardio while strength declines
Lack of individualized guidance during rapid body composition change
Without a plan, people may unintentionally reinforce compensations that lead to pain, injury, or long-term limitations.
When It Makes Sense to Seek Physical Therapy Support
You don’t need to be injured to benefit from care.
Physical therapy may be appropriate if you are:
Starting or recently prescribed a GLP-1
Experiencing weakness, fatigue, or joint discomfort
Unsure how to exercise safely and effectively
Wanting to preserve muscle and long-term mobility
Focused on health, not just weight loss
Especially for individuals in the Greater Charlotte area, including Charlotte, Lake Norman, and Cornelius, NC, working with a physical therapist who understands both movement science and metabolic change can be a critical part of your care team.
A Gentle Next Step
If you’re navigating GLP-1 use and want to move with confidence — not guesswork — physical therapy can provide clarity, structure, and reassurance.
You can learn more about how Congruency supports individuals using GLP-1 medications through intentional, personalized physical therapy by exploring our dedicated service page.
