Massage...YEA or Nay

[Brooklyn747]

So I'm 3 years in with PMR and have reduced down to 2mgs of prednisone, albeit with a little discomfort which I'm prepared to put up with rather than all the side effects of the corticosteroid So, I'm booked for a holiday next month which includes a complimentary massage but because I'm not used to them I'm wondering if it could be counter-productive.

I would certainly appreciate any advice given via this forum as I place all my trust in the wisdom members and volunteers give and I thank you sincerely in advance.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Some seem to find them okay, others don’t… but would just say that as it’s part of the holiday deal, the therapist may not be used to dealing with clients with PMR affected bodies.

However, the fact you mention ‘some discomfort’, that would make me wary.

[Brooklyn747 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks D.Lady, that was a super quick reply....I'm in Oz are you still in N.Z.?I'm inclined to go with your intuition as I'm using osteopanadol occasionally when I want a pain free day.....but realise I'm now 3 years older so it's understandable my ballet days are well and truly over!!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Brooklyn747]

Yes I am….for a few more days… it’s up to you of course. Maybe make a few enquiries beforehand…or another option available?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Beware that "some discomfort" - if the pred dose is even SLIGHTLY too low to manage each day's new inflammation, it can build up again over time until you may be in trouble.

I enjoy massage, especially deep therapeutic massage to iron out knots of hard muscle fibres. But I'm used to it and know I could well feel worse before I feel better and that is fine. But a nice relaxing massage is also a pleasure - I've had a couple of hot stone massage sessions which were lovely.

[Brooklyn747 in reply to PMRpro]

Took your message on board PMRpro and upped my dose of prednisone and now feeling much less discomfort. I thought tapering slowly your body would just adapt to a lower dose....but I was wrong.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Brooklyn747]

If it is problems due to adrenal insufficiency it will. If it is the inflammation building up because the pred dose is even slightly too low - it won't. And it is knowing the difference that is important. And often difficult ...

[Noideas]

I recently went on a spa weekend with my adult kids, it was wonderful! I was gifted a massage, very gentle with seaweed wrapped around my wrists and ankles and using seaweed extract. I was pleasantly surprised that the young woman knew about pmr and was careful to check her pressure was comfortable. I suffered no ill effects, enjoyed it enormously and the weekend as a whole really lifted my January blues. Enjoy your holiday!

[proactive]

I had my PMR diagnosed Sept 2023 (after 5 months). I was treated to a massage while on vacation in Sept 2024 while on 8 mg. I had a hip replacement Jan 2024 and had recovered from a fall resulting in fractures of left ribs and pelvis July 2024. I told the massage therapist of my medical history and the 1 1/2 hour massage was heavenly! I hadn't felt so good in months when I left there. She said my muscles were "a bit of a miss" and I should go more often. If I could afford it, i'd go once a month!

You need to communicate with the massage therapist and let them know if anything they do is causing discomfort.

I say go for it!

[Brooklyn747 in reply to proactive]

Thanks for sharing your experience and I will definitely give it some thought...while I'd love to have that massage I know I'd kick myself if it caused problems. All the best to you proactive.