My fit friends who know nothing about PMR suggest I should try Physiotherapy. I did try that before diagnosis when they thought they were treating a bursa and frankly the subsequent flare like a constant burn was much worse. I’m all for a bit of swimming, walking the dog etc but the thought of physio fills me with dread. Just raising my arms is a bit tweaky let alone rotating anything. I certainly couldn’t get onto a yoga mat and repeated invitations to come paddle boarding - well haha ! I can’t do that either. I think they just think I’m not trying. Anyone else tried physio ? I think I would like a gentle massage - the sort where you don’t end up with your legs over your head !
Physio - thoughts on this ? : My fit friends who... - PMRGCAuk
Physio - thoughts on this ?
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Seekingasolution
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I have an NHS physio and am not sure that he is helping me that much. Off to see him again tomorrow.
Whatever you do get a physio who knows about PMR otherwise you could be in trouble. I had one for other reasons but they still needed to be careful because of the PMR.
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It depends - I have had really helpful physio appointments here in Italy but everyone knows what PMR is and knows that certain things just won't work. I have found that NHS physios tend to be woefully ignorant of the mechanism and foibles of PMR and they will insist on actions that just don't mix with it with result you often feel worse. As in ME, exercise isn't always a magic formula and things like bursitis that are being caused by the PMR don't always respond to stretches because of the inflammation being "fed" by the PMR.
Repetitive actions are poison in PMR and if you develop DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) as a result of overdoing a particular action it can take a long time to resolve. The result is an increase in symptoms rather than an improvement.
Many thanks. It is what I have always feared especially after my ‘bursitis’ treatment. I know my own limits now and everything else / new is treated with caution but I just wanted to check I wasn’t being a stick in the mud. I was worried about starting swimming actually but I don’t power down the pool, I started with 6 slow lengths and in warm open air sunshine and felt relaxed tired and happy after it. I now just do 8 or 10 lengths as I feel like it. It’s not competitive
Personally I would only go to a physio who knows about PMR, Unfortunately NHS physio's generally dont know about PMR as PMR pro says. If you your not careful you could up a lot worse. Even doctors are a bit lacking in PMR knowledge. Next time you see your rhymy / consultant ask if they feel a physio is necessary.
I could swim backstroke better than anything on my front. But being in water and doing exercises was by far the most successful activity - starting with very low level movements. But I was able to build up to the same level as my classmates over time without damaging myself.
I’m wondering the same thing. I have a painful right shoulder/upper arm muscle/ elbow joint/ wrist that I had before PMR (following fractures to shoulder and wrist). The pred has tended to mask the pain but it is reappearing now I have reduced to 11.5mg (I hope).
I’m torn between living with it; asking for X rays via the GP; or consulting a physio. Not sure whether I can face either of the latter, especially as any appointment involves my long suffering OH driving me there (we have no public transport).
A mate who had PMR found that aqua - aerobics was good. However she found a place where they knew about PMR.
Thanks jinasc 😊 Unfortunately I’m a bit phobic about swimming pools - and there’s the issue of getting there too. I asked a physio years ago whether swimming as such would be good for me, and he said no, my right shoulder joint was so restricted, the left would do all the work and I’d end up going round in circles! 🤷♀️
That's a shame - I did aquafit for years with unmanaged PMR - it was what kept me mobile and upright. Having done an hour of aquafit in warm water I was able to do Pilates and Iyengha yoga . Couldn't do it without the water class which I did every day Monday to Friday. The earlier it was in the day, the better day I had.
Glad it worked for you pro 😊 x
I used to do Mr Motivator 12 minute exercise segments from YouTube - but unfortunately am searching for the energy lately x
Believe it or not (and I do know where you are coming from) forcing yourself to do 5 mins will give you more energy.
Thank you pro 😊 I know you’re right, it’s getting the motivation going, isn’t it? I have got some exercise this week by replaying Paul McCartney’s Glastonbury set a couple of times and dancing around the house. Not quite the same as specific exercises though! 😂
Will try to get started later, thanks again x
Oh I don't know - movement is movement. And if gets the enthusiasm stoked - that's what matters.
He was brilliant !! I forgot all my woes watching him , see him live 3 times and certainly danced then !!😀
Exactly how I felt - forgot all my woes 🎵🎸🥁x
Might listen again today x😃
As PMRpro has said, that is a shame - aqua has helped quite a few people with different illnesses. No matter something else might just come to mind. How about looking up Reflexology?
Hi jinasc, doesn’t reflexology concentrate on feet? Or I may have got that wrong…..
But you’re right, I need to do something and need to keep looking x
Yes but although I was sceptical a couple of people I know with RA went and they said it helped them..... don't ask me how - could be mind over matter. 🤔 Although as they said " you pay your money and take the chance". I won't tell you my reply, I would get thrown off....... 😈
Reflexology
Reflexology, also known as zone therapy, is an alternative medical practice involving the application of pressure to specific points on the feet and/or hands. This is done using thumb, finger, and hand massage techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based on a pseudoscientific system of zones and reflex areas that purportedly reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands, with the premise that such work on the feet and hands causes a physical change to the supposedly related areas of the body.
There is no convincing scientific evidence that reflexology is effective for any medical condition.🤔
I found it very relaxing - and that was a plus. I was a subject for a local lady who was training to do it for animals (no, I don't know either!)
I was having constant earache many moons ago (left ear). A mate in the exchange told me to go for 'Hopi candling'
I did and it worked and boy was I relaxed - three sessions and it worked.
You pays your money and you take your chances. 😘😘
Just in case................
Hopi ear candle treatments can also help to reduce inflammation in the ears and sinuses, relieve the symptoms of hay fever, rebalance your body's natural flow, and generally calm and relax you when life is stressful. A pleasant & non-invasive treatment Ideal for ear, nose or throat problems Soothing & massaging effect person.
I'll try anything once - if it doesn't break the bank!
Me too..................especially if it begins with a 'B' 😈
Now I wonder what that might be ... 
🥃🥃 - oh no don't tell me your memory is going................😈 you promised mine would go 1st........................
As long as you remember what you are drinking
Reminds me - still a couple of bottles that need finishing off ,,,
Never ever heard of that before !
I was also a subject when a colleague was in training. It was bliss. But animals?
I know - never worked it out! But it may have been as part of a mixed training to use other complementary approaches on animals but the available options were on humans!
I did a v quick search on Google and found this!!! My beagles would go nuts if anyone tried to mess with their feet! Correction the rescued ex lab beagle would probably be ok with it as he's probably experienced much worse. And it may do his arthritis some good!! hwttps://rose-therapy.co.uk/courses/...
Wonder how much it costs!!!!
Anything worth a try - at least once !
I did not have any luck with physiotherapy before diagnosis and pred. Once I was at about 7 mg I started going to a physiotherapist who offered low level light therapy with hopes that this would help with my taper, as one thing it allegedly does is help reduce inflammation. I certainly did not have a problem with my taper and over the subsequent years I continue to go to her for help with other body aches and pains mostly caused by OA or injuries. She had already treated PMR patients and one of her good friends is a rheumatologist. It is important that any physical therapist or sports instructor etc understand the limitations of PMR and our greater risk of injury, as well as needing extra care with repetitive exercises.
All points worth keeping in mind, Heron 👍xx
Thanks Heron. Something else to investigate.
I agree with Heron. My PMR was heralded by inflammation in my right hip joint. I was referred to physio who assumed it was OA and the exercises they gave me made it so much worse!I was given no sympathy whatsoever and was told off for limping!
Eventually an MRI found inflammation and no OA and I was sent to a different physio at the local hospital. He spent a whole hour assessing me and the exercises he gave me I still do every day. My hip has slowly improved, massively helped by pred though.
However I am not sure if physio would have helped with my PMR - the pred did all that for me. Maybe when I have reduced down enough for it to come back, I'll try it and see.
I agree that repetitive actions are not helpful, e.g. when I am painting endless yards of skirting boards I'm quite stiff and a bit sore afterwards, however the physio exercises only take 5 minutes.
I can’t imagine ‘painting yards of skirting boards’ ever ! Bending over to dust them occasionally is the most I would consider. Fortunately being short sighted means I don’t notice the dust too often !
My monocular vision is my excuse too! 😉
My ex mother in law has always been a domestic goddess with white carpets throughout. I used to dread taking the 3 children there unless they ate in the garden. She would plump up the cushions on the sofa the minute you stood up. Coming to my home I always felt uncomfortable with her critical gaze or her offer of coming over to wash down the paintwork with sugar soap ! I really didn’t live in a hovel. Later when my ex was made redundant, she finally saw my worth observing the late hours commuting for work but keeping the household afloat. And preparing dinner , helping with homework etc when I reached home. She has since been a strong advocate after feckless husband found comfort with a local housewife !
My view has always been a house is a home, not a show house..
You have to be happy with your surroundings - but have had acquaintances like your ex MIL..
Bit sad really, in my mind life’s too short, but we are all different
Hi Seekingasolution! I went to see a physical therapist with the initial thought of being able to get up off the floor from a knealing position. I felt rather embarassed when I was at the store, before covid lockdowns, and couldn't get up from getting something off of a low shelf! I saw two wonderful ladies, therapists, who helped me quite a bit but they worked on range of motion first due to the PMR and how stiff I was. They were very easy on me and I did finally work on the "getting up off the floor" with some mild exercises that were strengthening but only did 5 reps to begin with and only as I felt up to it. They were very kind and never once treated me badly. So maybe instead of asking for exercises first do range of motion to get the muscles loosened up and more agile?
As far as the housework goes. Well, as we all know that's a case of not exactly a priority. Progress not perfection! I had an Aunt who came to visit years ago. At the time I was in my early 40's and I had 4 children, two girls, 15 & 10 and two boys, 5 & 3. I also looked after 2 other boys, one age 6 & the other 9. I also ran my husband's electrical business office out of our home. So quite busy but also embarrassed since it seemed to always look like a tornado went through, except when my Mom came to help once a week. My Aunt said something that I still quote today and it made me feel loved. She said,"Honey, If I came to see your house, I'd make an appointment. I didn't come to see your house, I came to see you!" I told that was really sweet and it was a day I will never forget. I still use that to this day. I also let people know that if they are going to wait for my house to be perfect, that appointment might just be a couple of years out! Lol!
Bending really does me in too. I use a long handled extendable duster for the skirting boards - when I occasionally dust them. OH does it usually.
We went to the Flower Show at HCt this week. After two hours of strolling at snails pace I really needed a sit down. No chairs available so my husband suggested we sit on the grass. I just couldn’t get down there!! Lol. Found some trailer steps eventually but I’m now eyeing those quad bike things for future events - except I got totally locked on a horse once. Fortunately husband no 2 is a big strong man !!
It's when you get those catalogues in the post for mobility scooters that you really feel old. At 63 I'm not ready for one just yet, but give it a few more years!
I can bend easily, result of 20+ years of dancing, but I can no longer reach up. Hanging out the washing is excruciating.
The thought of painting a few inches makes me feel faint ... My daughter started on her vestibule, did the walls fine, started on the woodwork and that was last autumn I think! A man is coming to do the new windows and finish the other stuff. More my style.
My MIL had pale blue carpet and loads of glass ornaments and Wedgewood ladies all over the place. Terrified me ...
And I have a new fridge-freezer - the old one was 15 years and not quite dead but I needed more freezer space so while I was at it I got one where the fridge is at the top - SO much easier to find things and get the salad and veg out!!!! With the back problems since March it has been a boon.
Like you I tried physio before diagnosis but it did nothing to help the pain. In fact, it became worse. Since being diagnosed in August 2020 and being on 7.5mg since October 2020 I now do gentle stretching exercises and walk for about 40 minutes a day. I've also started swimming again, just a few lengths each morning. I try to remain as active as I can throughout the day doing various bits and pieces in the home and garden, but sit down to relax around 6.00 p.m. I would happily have a gentle massage but I'd be rather miffed if it brought back any pain so I've decided to just carry on with what I'm doing. It seems to suit me. Best of luck
Hi, interesting, I was thinking about this as it was suggested by family and a nurse I saw at the minor injuries unit, recently but because of the flares and level of pain I'm in I've not even been able to do any self help exercises without it making things worse. I do try and walk my dogs a few feet and that's all I've managed!I am able to self refer to the NHS Physio in my County.
My GP suggested a physio so I have a private physio who comes to the house. I think she is doing me some good. The sessions are very painful but she has released my tight glute muscles and given me some relief there. I still can't stand up or walk but I haven't seen her for a couple of weeks as she had Covid. She is coming today. It would be so good to be able to just walk again. All the NHS provided was an online physio session with exercises my private physio told me not to do. She has given me very strict instructions which exercises I should do and not to push myself. I was doing seated Pilates online and she told me that would make it worse.
My father in law had an expression ‘ Can’t do right for doing wrong !’ Which seems applicable here. I was told to do Pilates by one doctor early on which was worse than useless.
Before my PMR was diagnosed I went to a physio several times thinking my aches were the result of pulling muscles. It was she who suggested it might be PMR and sent me to my GP for a blood test so I'm grateful to her for her intuition. I've seen her several times since and find her knowledgeable helpful. The exercises are always properly explained and not excessive. A good physio is a real help. Hope you find one.
Hi Seekingsolution,I found a Remedial Massage works for me. A friend recommended it and it happens that we have one in my small local town here which made it se easy to try .
She is qualified in the technique and it is as gentle and soothing as you like.
Have a look at their techniques. Jennifer here has lots of clients who are Walkers doing The Coast to Coast walk as Richmond is a big stop off/ layover for it. So many have little aches and pains etc and she works miracles.
She knew what PMR was too!
Margaret.
I will certainly check that out. Assume you don’t mean Richmond in Surrey ?
Ha ha No ! Richmond North Yorkshire.
Hi margaret. I'm over in Gilmonby/Bowes so close I would recomend gentle massage but not aggressive sports Do remember that if PMR or GCA are current and inflammation present you are trying to make muscle relax against the mechanism of starving the muscle of oxygen and therefore the normal function of releasing lactic acid doesn't happen You are trying to stretch contracted muscle and if aggressive can damage the structure.
hi there. Late to this discussion On the whole i believe you should try any exercise you find acceptable within the physical limits you have at any one time As for Physio's, even when fit I found them seriously wanting in their knowledge and application of specific exercises and with these two conditions PMR and GCA I find most if not all sadly lacking in knowledge.
Hi
I started a course of physio whilst on Pred and really struggled, lifting my arms etc and he said that physio was not beneficial at that time.
I am currently on a course of physio arranged by my rheumatologist which I started approx 3 months after I stopped taking Pred in Nov 21. I had developed weak muscles and can honestly say the physio has really helped. I have another 2 sessions to go and feel much better and have more strength now.
You are clearly going from strength to strength ! Maybe something I can consider if my inflammation levels drop low enough 🤞
I am pleased to say that I am feeling so much better and almost back to my former self pre PMR onset. I have been off Pred since Nov and have an appointment with my rheumatologist in August. He’s hoping that he can discharge me. I am aware that symptoms could return but so far so good.
Brilliant that you’re doing so well, Liby57 😊
Long may it remain so 💐xx
Thank you, sending my best wishes to you. 🙂 x
I am a retired physio and sadly I have to agree with all that PMR Pro says.
I think my question has been answered ! Thank you !
My GP sent me for physio when I had been in agony for 9 months. Saw the physiotherapist a week later who after a chat for 5 mins said to me ‘I can’t touch you as it would hurt you too much’ and then said ‘wait for it’, I think you have PMR . What a light bulb moment, went home checked it on Google and cried my eyes out, I had been suffering so long with no help and the physio diagnosed me. On Pred within two days and out of pain 24 hours later.
I think many people on here have had years of discomfort and thinking they were going bonkers before the condition was recognised. Like you a chance lunch date with a friend who was recovering from it watched me struggle out of a chair and told me she thought I had the same condition. The relief !
Hi - I have tried physio many time before diagnosis, without pred. and with pred. I even had a rehabilitation stay for a week in a facility specialized in arthritis and the likes. They did not know I had PMR though. All times where it did not work. I got burning pains in the muscles used after 1 hour, and pain in the evening, and it aggravated the joints as well. I got very tired and worn-out so I did not have energy to walk the dog and cook. I also suffered from painless muscle twitching, and they did not like that ( ALS). So I now bicycle small trips to shopping, friends, work the dog, some garden work and a swim in the ocean. I easily over do it all - still finding my way. Non weightbearing exercise like in the water is definitely at PRO says the best - is you must. I understood from the rehabilitating center though that for all the RA patients - exercise is God. The more the better - pain or not.
Sounds like a painful journey of discovery. I’m glad I have the dog to force me out the door or I’m sure I’d barely be bothered on some days
I also tried both physiotherapy and massage but found neither helped - on the contrary, my pains got worse. Short walks seemed to keep me going even though they could be painful to do.
I went to a physio a couple of weeks after the pain in my shoulders started thinking it was RSI. She gave me interferential therapy. While it is normally an acceptable strange sensation, it actually caused me pain and I told her to stop. I felt it aggravated the existing underlying pain in my left shoulder in particular. Very soon after I was diagnosed with PMR. I told the physio who then said to cancel all further appointments as she doesn't treat PMR. So while I wouldn't rule out going to physio make sure they know what PMR is.
After explaining to three physios that I had PMR and getting very understanding nods and sympathy they still attacked me with a vengeance, one did all the cracking and manipulation. I was terrified and sure enough was in bed for a week! But I discovered Bowen therapy and that’s a different story. They have to be specially trained. I still hurt somewhat after but get a wonderful sense of well-being.
I used Bowen for years in the UK until i moved here. My UK ladies were brilliant - the one here is a bit esoteric and wishy so I don't waste my money!
Mine has just retired unfortunately. She gave me a few recommendations. The first did the No touch technique, talk about esoteric. I was waiting to levitate but it didn’t happen 🤣 Need to do better homework.
Sounds fun!
I thought I should report back. I have just had my physio at home and feel great. The pain has eased considerably and I feel I could go for a walk outside. She told me not to walk further than the end of the road and then gradually increase it. She has given me some exercises to do. I am going to see her once more at home before my MRI and then perhaps will be able to go down to her clinic in town (which will be cheaper) to build my strength up. I am feeling positive today.
Hello, I agree with others who recommend finding a physio who knows all about PMR. That is a MUST. For myself, I was already doing daily gentile stretches and floor exercises. I can’t do them all any longer but I seem to have found my sweet spot level of both type and duration of movements that definitely help me keep my shoulders, ribs and hips in fairly good working order without pain. What I haven’t yet found is how to deal with sore wrists and hands.
Here in my part of the US, PTs do not touch you. My experience was a six month regimin of stretches and exercise that never helped and made my main complaint much worse. Never again. You UK residents, is it the normal way for PTs to give massage?
Not so much in the UK - also a lot of "hands off" by healthservice PTs. Ones you visit privately might be more hands-on/ In Germany and Germanic-Italy where I live massage and mobilisation treatments are part of PT if they are going to improve a situation.
Yes I have massage, and I find it helps me a lot. It doesn't get rid of the pain but seems to move it around which is a relief in itself.
Hi Seekingasolution, I've recently started with an Osteopath. (18 months into PMR) Would never have gone near an osteopath in the past but this one came highly recommended so I gave him a try. The Physios I went to previously either achieved nothing or made matters worse and caused intense pain. This Osteo on the other hand is so thorough, gentle and comprehensive.
With every movement he constantly checks whether there is pain or not. If nothing else he is improving my rapidly declining posture (from spending so many exhausted hours lying on the couch) and he gives me just a few simple and gentle exercises to do at home.
His treatment helps with aches and pains that come with limited movement. The stiffness in my hips is improving so I am able to walk more freely and less like a duck. He also helped the trochanteric bursitis and sciatica no end!
So whether he is helping the PMR itself, or just the residual aches and stiffness that comes with PMR and older age I do not know, but life is a lot better and I am able to walk further than previously. Mind you, improvement is up and down, but mostly UP. Hope this helps.
That’s good to know. Thank you
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