muscles

[Uglow]

my physio gave me some exercise to do for my osteoporosis will

It upset pmr ! My arms are aching he said he doesn’t know about pmr, at least he’s honest lol but how will these exercises affect pmr. I’m a bit anxious. Thanks

[SheffieldJane]

I would shop around for a physio that knows about PMR. Mine had a number of patients with it and was clued up. You could hurt yourself.

[Uglow in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It probably won't AFFECT the PMR itself but if you start by doing too many reps of an exercise of any sort you are likely to develop DOMS. delayed onset muscle soreness - and it may take longer to go away than you would expect because of the PMR. So if they say "do this 10 times", start on the first day with only 2 or 3 and add one extra each day until you feel it a bit the next (rest) day and stick there or at the previous level for a couple of weeks. At first don't do anything every day - you will manage it eventually, And if you are to use weights - start with a very small weight. I suggest a 500ml water bottle about 1/4 full and then add a bit more water as you improve.

I'm astounded if a physio claims they know nothing about PMR - everyone here does! I'd tell them to go and find out about it!

[Uglow in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you

[tangocharlie in reply to PMRpro]

They and other medical professionals can get free membership of PMRGCAuk

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tangocharlie]

Helps no-one if they don't read about it though!

[tangocharlie in reply to PMRpro]

One of the charity's main missions needs to be educating the professionals who are supposed to be helping us, not just kow-towing to them

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tangocharlie]

Money has been ringfenced from charity funds for GP training ...

[tangocharlie in reply to PMRpro]

Yes I was aware of that, all put on hold due to Covid etc. I think they need to start with the rheumatologists though, they seem to be in greater need of educating about the realities of PMR as they come out with things like you can't possibly have PMR after 5 years/in your 50s

[piglette]

It does seem that your physio is suggesting exercise that he does not know if they could be damaging to you with your PMR. If he does not know if the exercises are OK or not, surely he should not be recommending them and also he should not be charging you?

[KASHMIRI1]

I have had the same experience. I have GCA and was sent to a physio after no consultation with my GP. I have an exercise plan that seems to have made things worse and upset the other hip

[Uglow in reply to KASHMIRI1]

I have decided to do a reduced version of my physio 10 reps no 3/4 reps yes everyday no every other day yes be aware that arm soreness is exercise not a glare. I’m using DSNS for this exercise too🤣 not prepared to cause problems.

[KASHMIRI1 in reply to Uglow]

I think l have come to the same conclusion, no point in messing things up.

[jinasc in reply to Uglow]

POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA AND EXERCISE

BENEFITS OF EXERCISE includes: Improved cardio/respiratory function, Reduced risk of coronary artery disease, improved mental health, reduced risk of diabetes, better posture and helps battle fatigue.

If you want a copy of this paper - and pm with your email address.

[Uglow in reply to jinasc]

Yes please

[jinasc in reply to Uglow]

You need to send a PM with your email address, which will be deleted once the article has been sent.

[Sharitone]

I was seeing a physio with undiagnosed PMR before lockdown, and it was definitely getting worse very speedily. I think the relentless stretching exercises contributed to that. Since then, I have found that any stretches that went beyond the comfort zone actually made it worse, even for some time. My physio definitely didn't know about PMR, and I think you really need one who does.

[tangocharlie]

I'd love to know what the best exercise is to do, there hasn't been much research. I recently did what I thought was gentle armchair yoga but the arm stretches brought on a mini-flare and stiffness. Dr Mackie once told me 'little and often' which seems a good mantra, and not many repeats. When I first got PMR and before it was diagnosed I spent a fortune on physio trying to sort out my stiff neck and shoulders and it nearly crippled me as they did the wrong things. But many physios are very clued up on PMR and often diagnose it so good to shop around. I think there is a good one in Leeds who works closely with rheumatology so if you have a rheumie ask them if you have something similar?