Hi, does physiotherapy help with reliving lower backache & swelling left leg as a result of PMR?

[Lowercwmtwrch]

I've been offered Physiotherapy for my back will this help? Diagnosed PMR 10 ago!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Depends what they do. I have physio when my low back is at its worst - but not just exercises to do, it is very hands on therapeutic massage and manual mobilisation for muscles that are in spasm. THAT works. And then I can manage some strengthening exercises.

[Lowercwmtwrch in reply to PMRpro]

Thank yoy so much for reply!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Guess you mean 10 months looking at profile- and you seem to have had these issues throughout - so are you sure they actually PMR?

Physio may help or may not, but you do need to see a therapist who is aware of PMR, one who is too enthusiastic may do more harm than good. ...as I discovered pre GCA diagnosis.

[jinasc]

Both PMRpro and DL have said it all. Do be careful to ensure the Physio knows about PMR.

Bowen Therapy worked for me

Then with Piris Formis Acupuncture both excellent.

[Lowercwmtwrch in reply to jinasc]

Thank you for your reply!

[jinasc in reply to Lowercwmtwrch]

Thought I would let you know, that yesterday I finally saw my Acupuncturist. I went in with my walking stick and came out with it folded.

Yes Piris Formis was back and I had to wait for a 'open' (Covid) and that was a long wait.

[piglette]

The only way is to try it. If you have problems tell them, but ensure you get someone who knows about PMR.

[ThunderB]

I had tendinitis and muscle deterioration in both calves and physio was helpful as well as ultrasound for me in respect of both issues. These are a known side effect of the long term use of Pred. It might be helpful to have an ultrasound scan to ascertain the extent of your problem.

[Lowercwmtwrch in reply to ThunderB]

Thank you so much for your reply!

[Daffodilia]

Make sure they know what PMR is - I saw 3 when I first had symptoms and PMR did not occur to them - had to go private - surgery had sent me to physio instead of GP- wouldn’t give me GP appointment

[Lowercwmtwrch in reply to Daffodilia]

Thank you so much for your reply!

[Alebeau]

Physio and deep massage definitely helped me to strengthen my lower back and numbness in my right foot. I continue to do daily stretching when I am pain free. Currently at 11.5 mg after almost 3 years and have tried numerous times to get below 10 and fail every time as the pains return.

Hoping to try leflunomide soon which may help reduce even lower.

[Lowercwmtwrch in reply to Alebeau]

Thank you so much for your reply!

[SnazzyD]

There could be a whole host of reasons why you have that problem so it needs diagnosis and the right physio.

[Lowercwmtwrch in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you so much for your reply!

[Linlang in reply to Lowercwmtwrch]

Nearly 5 yrs in and legs are a problem. Tried physio and then osteopathy—-Finding the right operator is key. They all have their own ways of working. Good luck

[Lowercwmtwrch in reply to Linlang]

Oh dear, what problems have you been having with your legs? Is it the same as me? Swollen leg, knee, numbness & aching with lower back pain? Ps Thank you for replying 💁🌺

[alliebc in reply to Lowercwmtwrch]

Hi Lowercwmtwrch

I too had a really red swollen left leg and knee before I got full-on PMR which then hit my whole hip girdle thighs and shoulders. Cellulitis and DV Thrombosis were ruled out on the leg but no alternative diagnosis was given by my doctor as it gradually went down. I thought it was lymph related as it leaked clear fluids, but now think it might have been another autoimmune inflammatory condition. Also had lower left back pain in the sacroiliac area, but mild compared with PMR which came along next. Lichen planus which is what your mouth sounds like, is another autoimmune condition. People often have more than one AI disease happening in their body at a time. Because you are on prednisone maybe that was keeping the other conditions in check Maybe it’s triggered when you get below a certain level. I’m just getting to 8mg from 9 and swear that my left leg is getting red again! So weird, but you should definitely ask your rheumy as they are supposed to be the Autoimmune experts

[Lowercwmtwrch in reply to alliebc]

Oh thank you!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I beg to differ. If physio helped his symptoms in 4-6 weeks then it wasn't PMR. It MIGHT have been myofascial pain syndrome - but it almost certainly wasn't PMR.