Repeated muscle injuries, worse performance despite training – does this seem normal?
Hi,
I’m a 26-year-old male, 160 cm (5’3”), currently around 46.5 kg (102 lb). (Trans man so I I’ve been on intramuscular testosterone therapy for several years, with stable treatment.)
I’m looking for advice because I’m struggling to understand what’s happened over the past two years.
From 2023 to mid-2024, I trained 3–4 times per week with a structured hypertrophy program. Was also doing cardio (running) My strength steadily improved (bench press, dumbbell press, pull-ups, squats, curls, etc.), even though I was only around 42.5–44.5 kg and probably eating around maintenance.
Since summer 2024, everything has gone downhill.
First, I had major lower abdominal surgery, which kept me out of training for about 3 months.
After that, I started accumulating injuries:
Psoas tear.
Right pec tear (twice).
Persistent back muscle pain .
Glute/piriformis pain after returning to running (I still can’t run).
Ongoing right biceps pain.
Right hamstring tear during a light warm-up squat (2 months ago).
Today I’m about 46.5 kg (around 4 kg heavier than 2 years ago), but I’m significantly weaker on almost every lift than I was in 2024.
Interestingly, I don’t think my physique has changed dramatically. I’ve probably gained a little fat, but my strength has dropped a lot, and much more than my appearance would suggest.
My question isn’t about treating one specific injury.
I’m wondering whether this overall pattern sounds like something that can simply happen after repeated interruptions, or whether repeated muscle injuries across different body parts should prompt further investigation (nutrition, recovery, medical issues, biomechanics, etc.).
Has anyone experienced something similar?
I’m not looking for a diagnosis, just wondering whether this pattern seems “within the realm of normal” or whether it would justify a more comprehensive medical evaluation
I discussed this with a sports medicine doctor recently, but they weren’t particularly concerned about the overall pattern of repeated injuries**.**
Posted Jul 11, 2026, 8:56 PM UTC