Muscle Health | Sengkang General Hospital

The Muscle Health Programme first started at Sengkang General Hospital in 2019, supporting patients and the community in preventing, detecting and managing muscle loss, also known as sarcopenia. What began as a hospital programme has since evolved into the SingHealth Duke-NUS Muscle Health Programme in 2025 — an integrated initiative focused on muscle health, healthy ageing and surgery recovery.

Muscle health matters at every age — and it is never too early, or too late, to start caring for it.

This programme is built on 3 key pillars

SUPREME Programme

Prehabilitation and mucle optimisation before surgery

PRIME Programme

Muscle Health education and community engagement

SKH Musculoskeletal Regenerative Laboratory

Research in sarcopenia muscle ageing and regenerative medicine

Together, these pillars support muscle health across the lifespan-from prevention and education to clinical care and translational research

The 5 Pillars of Active Living

Muscle loss can begin as early as our 30s and may worsen with ageing, inactivity, poor nutrition, chronic illness or hospitalisation.

Muscle health plays an important role in:

Strength

Supporting physical strength and everyday activities

Mobility

Helping you move easily and stay independent

Balance

Reducing fall risk and improves stability

Recovery

Aiding recovery from illness, injury and surgery

Healthy Ageing

Supporting active, healthy and fulfilling ageing

Our Multidisciplinary Team

Through clinical care, community education and research, our multidisciplinary team supports muscle health and helps people maintain strength, mobility and independence at every age.

Our Programme

Prehabilitation Before Surgery

Improve strength and fitness before surgery to enhance recovery and outcomes

Nutrition and Exercise Interventions

Personalised nutrition and exercise plans to build and maintain muscle strength

Muscle Health Screening

Early identification of muscle loss or risk to enable timely intervention

Community Education and Healthy Ageing Initiatives

Empowering individuals and communities to age well and to stay independent

Sarcopenia and Regenerative Medicine Research

Advancing research to better understand muscle ageing and develop innovation therapies

What is Sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass, muscle strength and physical function. It commonly affects older adults but may also occur after illness, surgery, cancer treatment, prolonged inactivity or poor nutrition.

Non - Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia

People with Sarcopenia may experience the following

Reduced Strength

Difficulty climbing stairs

Difficulty carrying objects

Slower walking speed

Increased risk falls

Fatigue

Longer recovery after illness or surgery

Why Muscle Health Matters

Maintaining muscle health through regular exercise, adequate protein intake and early medical intervention can improve long-term health outcomes and quality of life.

The journey to better muscle health begins with you.

Whether you are in your 30s or 70s, the steps you take today and the habits you encourage in those around you, can make a meaningul difference to how you age.

Who can benefit from the Muscle Health Programme?

Good muscle health supports strength, mobility and independence as we age. While starting early offers benefits, it is never too late to take action and improve your muscle health.

Adults experiencing muscle weakness or frailty

Patients preparing for major surgery

Individuals recovering from illness or hospitalisation

People at risk of falls or reduced mobility

Caregivers supporting ageing loved ones

Healthcare professionals seeking muscle health education

FAQs

Muscle loss may occur due to ageing, reduced physical activity, poor nutrition, chronic illness, inflammation or prolonged hospitalisation.

In many cases, muscle strength and function can improve through resistance exercise, proper nutrition, vitamin optimisation and medical intervention.

Prehabilitation helps patients improve their strength, nutrition and overall fitness before surgery to support recovery and reduce complications.

Older adults, people with chronic illnesses, cancer patients, individuals recovering from surgery and those with prolonged inactivity may be at higher risk.

You should seek medical advice if you experience declining strength, recurrent falls, difficulty walking, unexplained weight loss or reduced ability to perform daily activities.

News on Muscle Health

Patient Care SKH Doctor on Voice Disorders Dr Christina Ng, Consultant, Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, SKH, highlighted the importance of voice health, outlining common voice box disorders, warning signs requiring medical attention, and key risk factors such as excessive voice use, smoking, and acid reflux. She also shared about blue light laser technology, a minimally invasive in-clinic treatment that enables quick removal of vocal cord polyps and cysts under local anaesthesia, with minimal pain and faster recovery than conventional surgery. Dr Ng emphasised early diagnosis and preventive measures such as hydration, voice rest and avoiding smoking to maintain voice health. She also noted that if untreated, prolonged voice box disorders can cause permanent damage to the vocal cords, communication difficulties and job loss, especially for those who depend on their voice for livelihood.

05 Jan 2026 | Berita Harian Read Story

Patient Care SKH Doctor on Persistent Hoarseness of Voice Dr Christina Ng, Consultant, Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, SKH, highlighted that persistent hoarseness may indicate vocal cord polyps or cysts - conditions that are common but often overlooked. With blue light laser treatment now available, this minimally invasive procedure can be performed in the clinic under local anaesthesia, enabling patients to recover faster and return home quickly on the same day. Mr Loh, an 84-year-old patient who underwent the treatment this year, found it convenient and effective, and encouraged people with similar symptoms to seek medical attention promptly rather than delay treatment.

30 Dec 2025 | Lianhe Zaobao Read Story

Patient Care SKH Doctor Continues Stroke Recovery Journey Dr Jessica Ee, Former Associate Consultant, Dermatology Service, SKH, continues her inspiring recovery two years after her stroke, progressing from wheelchair use to walking with a walking stick. Also a former model, she now walks a different runway - one of rehabilitation and healing, inspiring others with her perseverance. Dr Cao Taige, Consultant, Dermatology Service, SKH, who is also a registered acupuncturist with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner Board and provides acupuncture services at SKH, noted that acupuncture has good effects in post-stroke recovery and praised Jessica's determination in rehabilitation. Jessica remains focused on daily improvements as she works towards her goal of returning to work.

27 Dec 2025 | Channel NewsAsia Online Read Story

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