I’d like to share a positive outcome of a full body massage and would love to know if anyone else has had a similar experience. I’m starting my 4th year now with PMR, am currently on 10mg of pred. having had a pretty up and down regime over the last 3 years to 5mg and back, and have paused my reduction prog. from 12mg to allow for Christmas!
Briefly, on 3rd January 2018 I had an hour long full body massage at a Spa for my 70th Birthday. I asked the therapist for medium pressure only, and my expectations were non-committal, being happy to just enjoy the relaxation and the experience. However, I WADDLED into the massage room and WALKED out. I then found that, while still weak in the legs, I could go up stairs without needing a bannister rail for extra leverage and later that day was still walking almost normally. The stiffness is so much reduced too and I then had the most comfortable night’s sleep for several months. Now, 48 hours later, this improvement has been sustained. It’s almost too good to be true. (I have learned not to expect it to last.)
Anyone else had this effect? Do you “wise ones” have any thoughts on why I should be feeling so much better? My thought is that the massage has improved my circulation, perhaps by dilating the blood vessels in my legs, and by lymphatic drainage. It feels almost as if the masseuse has got the dyno-rod out and unblocked the drain! Thus the improved circulation has got more oxygen into the muscle tissues and as a result they are working more efficiently. It’s the only answer I can think of.
I’m seeing my sceptical Rheumatologist on 2nd February and am going to be cheeky and ask if she will prescribe me a massage every 3 months! This one cost an arm and a leg (not literally...)
Happy New Year to you all. Thanks for all your wonderful contributions. By the way I may be 70 in Fahrenheit but I’m only 21 in Celsius.
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I find massage extremely beneficial - but everyone is different and some people find it triggers something akin to a flare of symptoms. I think it is because inflammatory substances in the muscle fascia and trigger points are released into the circulation.
My daughter treated me to a hot stone massage last summer - also a bit eye-watering in price - and I felt great after though not as dramatic as you describe.
Maybe I'd best whisper that our doctors prescribe massage. I am about to start a course, probably 10 or 12 - and they are free because I'm over 65/18 and all medical treatment is free. Before I had to pay a minimal co-pay for certain parts of the massage. Here in Germanic mainland Europe they are very convinced of the benefits of such therapies. Thank goodness!!
I love the EU. and the NHS and universal health care all those wonderful health benefits you are entitled to for having paid your taxes and for being thoughtful of all people and not just the rich!!!
Hi yogabonnie, there are a lot of good things about the NHS in that it is open to all at the same level. However there are a lot of downsides with long waiting times, appalling admin and management and frustrated staff. An old lady phoned for an ambulance today because she had chest pains, they turned up four hours later and she had died.
Terrible downside!!! Our firetrucks come as ambulance..with paramedics and can take care of you... and ambulance not part of insurance..one must pay... but they come within 10 min in the city..not sure about rural. but it is all free with the police and fire and paramedics . We are lucky that way.
Sound great, I must try when I get a chance.
Without a doubt a deep tissue massage by sports tberapist is fantastic. I feel tired and emotional afterwardsafterward but plenty of food and rest helps. I ha one last Xmas and I would say got 3 weeks benefit. It was a present cos can't afford myself. But would always recommend once health issues discussed with knowledgeable therapist
Thanks for your very interesting (and entertaining!) Post - which caught my attention since I'm usually a bit sceptical about the myriad of suggested alternative remedies for managing PMR symptoms. That said, it seems a case of Horses for Courses, and I know we all have different health contexts.
You've reminded me about how, many years ago pre PMR when I used to regularly get very debilitating lower back pain and stiffness (usually after over-doing it on the squash court or doing heroics in the garden), a really good 'deep tissue' massage by my Osteopath would give me the same, lasting results. The difference: Night and Day, and I usually felt (and probably was) about 2 inches taller afterwards.
I agree with your take on Cause and Effect: it could be that a really good physical work-over (by someone who knows their stuff) can help to release the inflammatory build-up and encourage the vascular / circulatory system to start working more efficiently again? Maybe, regular massage is a good parallel therapy to taking the Preds for some of Us Lot with PMR - and could possibly also help in the process of tapering / reducing to Zero.. within reason?
Either way, I'm sure you'll get lots of responses to this one and you've got me thinking about phoning my Osteo tomorrow!
MB
(Age 60, PMR since 2015, started on 30mgpd, now at 2 mgpd)
It isn't regarded as alternative here in mainland Europe.
Pain specialists and rehab rheumatology specialists are taught certain manual and needling techniques for dealing with tightened/spasmed muscles and fascia. My orthopaedic specialist who trained in Germany was sent to learn chiropractic techniques by his professor because "if you can't do it you are not a complete spinal specialist".
Very definitely central to mainstream medicine here.
I've been treating myself to a massage fairly regularly for about 9 months. I started because of a myofacial knot that was so bad it brought tears to my eyes and I was having difficulty working and walking. Although it is not covered by insurance I feel it's worth going to. By getting out the knots and releasing the pockets of inflammation, it allows me to function better and perhaps continue to reduce the prednisone. Although expensive I figure it's about time I spend money on myself!
I, too, find massage amazing. I am lucky to have a foot massage place close to my house. The first time I tried it I thought it would be just a foot massage, but turned out to be about 15minutes on feet and the rest, body! All for a very inexpensive price. I bought a ten pack!! I don’t experience such a lasting transformation, but it definitely makes a positive difference in those sore shoulders, and feels wonderful!
(Age 71 (72 in 2 days...how did that happen.!?!) PMR for 1yr 3 mos, started on 20, now at 4.
I had the same experience! Had a massage on Wednesday aches and pains gone. Yesterday I forgot to take my 2nd dose of Pred at 3:30 pm because I felt so good (did take at 5). I was tempted to decrease but feel I should stick with 14 for a few more days. No rush the experts say!
I get weekly Massage at a Massage school. It’s fabulous. Couldn’t live without it!
I don't want to pour cold water on what does sound a very good idea if you've got PMR, but as an only GCA sufferer with Osteoporosis any form of massage is frowned upon by the National Osteoporosis Society. I thought about having a massage when my fractured spine bone has mended sometime in the future but I thought to be on the safe side I'd ask the N.O.S. and was read the riot act, the risk of fractures for me is very high and as I've already had nine I really don't want any more. I'll just think about all you lucky people enjoying your massage and wish.
A very good point - maybe anyone considering massage therapy should check-out its suitability (in their individual health context) with their GP and / or the massage therapist first? I'm sure you're right about the risks for those of Us Lot with Osteoporosis especially..
Good point. But perhaps you can find someone just to rub your back!! something gentle and wonderful.. or a foot and hand massage. feels soooooo good!!! For some without a spouse or partner... just being touched is beneficial! a pat on the back or a squeeze on the shoulder..is just so good.
I go once a month to a massage therapist. I said in the past it was because I needed it because I taught yoga and worked out a lot.... but who needs an excuse? It is wonderful. She often does fascia work which is so beneficial for PMR. YES get massage every chance you can. I think it is good physically, emotionally and mentally. It lasts quite a while but not forever. It is well worth the money and I think may save us from injury and eventual surgery on stiff shoulders etc etc etc.!
Thanks everyone for your thoughtful, helpful and cautionary replies. I will talk to my rheumatologist as I said earlier, and now feel better informed about both the positives and negatives.
A word of caution. Because of the prednisone I bruise easily. I had a deep muscle massage due to sciatica. I was bruised so badly my doc actually took a photo to use in his teaching.
Crikey. My knee bruises when it pops out but thought of entire spine etc looking beaten and battered is scary. I will have to be careful when I have one next. Like many I like a deep tissue rather than relaxation massage. There is a big difference.
Let's hope no one ends up with this massage therapist.
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