Hello again!
I am considering trying either acupuncture or ultrasound therapy for PMR to see if it will help, alongside pred.
Has anyone tried either of these alternative therapies and found that they helped in any way - or not as the case may be?
Your input would be helpful as I don’t want to waste money on something that may do me the power of no good! 😊
Funnily enough that’s been going through my mind recently, l’ve had great success in the past with other issues but not really thought about it with the PMR.......
My physical therapist uses ultrasound on my hips and back with great success.
Thanks. That’s interesting. Did you notice immediate results?
Yes, it really helped a lot. She has used it for my bursitis and si joint pain in the past. Now she uses it for my pain down into my groin and thighs which she says is due to muscle wasting. Has calmed things down considerably. I have very simple isometric strengthening exercises to do too but a lot of days they are just too much.
Acupuncture seems to be helping my fatigue a bit. I have had 2 sessions and am going to have a few more.
Even helping the fatigue would be a bonus if I felt I had more get up and go! It will be interesting to see if you find it has a cumulative effect.
If I can be really SURE there has been an improvement I will let you all know. I won two sessions in a charity raffle so reckoned it was worth a go!
Brilliant prize 😊. Yes please, or would be great to know how you get on.
I tried acupuncture, in my case it was a complete waste of time. I understand it can help nausea and does also work as a placebo, I am too cynical. I have had ultra sound with various physios mainly got hip pain and it gave some short term relief. I also bought a TENs machine. I must admit the thing that helped most was one of those things you put in the microwave to warm up and then put round your shoulders or wherever you want. That really has been a great relief.
I used to be a physio, until I got PMR and I could not work any more, AND I completely agree with what you say piglets, and people please keep up your aerobic exercises, either walking, 2or 3 times a day a short walk is just as good as one long walk, or walk in the water , success. There are no magic cures..... us you would have worked that one out by now😉🌞😊
I used Bowen Therapy, it got me out of a wheelchair, then zimmer frame dispensed with and just using a walking stick. PMRpro had nagged me for about 18 months and I only wish I had listened to earlier. Bowen had kept PMRpro going for nearly 5 years before she could get a diagnosis..............it was always---- too young.
The this year Piriformis Syndrome....................Bowen not so good...........so Acupuncture this time................it worked. Pain free after seeing physio's ect for nearly 3 months...........4 sessions gone...............used needling and cupping.
Make sure you find a registered therapist or acupuncturist........lot of charlatans around.
As usual, things that work for one, do not always work for another..........sometimes it is suck it and see. Beauty of Bowen if three one hour sessions for three consecutive weeks and no improvement the Therapist will tell you..........bye bye.
Hi Jinasc, That sounds really interesting. How does Bowen therapy work?
I tried cupping when I was first diagnosed and found it so painful it reduced me to tears. Never again!
Omg songbird69, I like a deep sports massage but cupping! Don't be following Gwyneth to her latest fad!
🤣
I don't know, I call it white witch craft. If you put Tom Bowen Australia in your search engine - you can read up on it.
BTW, in Oz, you have a degree course in it.
Cupping painful? Thank goodness that did not happen to me at all. It could be he used a different make of cup, their are three, one glass, one a stort of straw and I cannot remember t'other. I cannot tolerate anything that is supposed to help and then is more painful than what you went to get relief from. I utterly concur with your Never again.
I am all for trying alternative therapies within reason, to help us deal with chronic illness and steroid side effects . Personally, I was disappointed with acupuncture and found it unexpectedly painful ( wimp). I don’t know anything about ultrasound therapy.
I had acupuncture before diagnosis but found it did absolutely nothing. Didn't have it after diagnosis as I had GCA and on 60 mg of Pred nothing hurt at all.
I had free consult with acupuncturist my husband used for vertigo about help if I relapse when off preds He thinks he can help Maybe you could try to get similar chat - He is David Kelsey based in Cambridge - has a website
Acupuncture helped me with the exhaustion, hence I was able to reduce easily. Nothing you try is a waste of money if it ends up helping you one way or another and we are all so different that you won't know what helps you until you try it. Physio works really well for me too but others didn't see any change. So, my theory is I'll try anything to feel better and reduce the Pred. Good luck and let us know how it worked for you.
What are you trying to accomplish with acupuncture.or ultasound? Less pain? Mote energy? Ultasound and acupunture are 2 completely different modalities.
Remember there is no cure for PMR. So before making a decision, ask yourself what you want to accomplush.
I've had both, but long before PMR. US is used for diagnostics usually. I have read somewhere US can detect which muscles are inflamed , but I think you probably know where you hurt.
Acupuncture helped me with migraines; but you need a physician who is also certified in acupuncture.
I think you should consult with an acupuncturist and ask what can realistically be done for you. I did not find the procedure or needles at all painful; needles gently in, lights out, and soft calm music playing.
Ultasound I have only had as a diagnostic, not as a therapeutic.
I also believe in alternative medicine, but not when its inappropriate for your goals. In the meantime, eat cherries, blueberries or make /buy juiceor tea. Very anti-inflammatory.
Acupuncture for me was pleasant; the MD was Chinese; he explained how it worked; the flowing of energies. Why don't you read a book about each one, educate yourself, and then decide.
Speaking for myself , I would not bother with either at this point. PMR is known as "the hurting disease." I am sure you will find many different opinions among members.
I am using Prednisone @8 mg and physical therapy; my spirits have much improved after 2+ years. You can handle alot of pain if you are in a good mood. Only you can decide.
Good luck in thinking it through.Best wishes.
It wasn’t the needles that worked for you, but the “lights out, and soft music playing”, plus your own belief. The whole concept of acupuncture is nonsense.
I am totally amazed that here in the US Medicare will pay for this stuff.
I tried acupuncture and it made me feel worse. I wouldn't recommend
Thank you all for your comments. I will do a bit more research.
Less pain and more energy is where I would like to be! If anything helps I will report back. 😊
Acupuncture with moxa treatment
Can acupuncture help PMR?
Does acupuncture work?
PMR perhaps 
PEMF therapy
