Can PMR be induced by Exercise

Same here

It is complicated, and I'm afraid there are no simple answers.

I can recommend Yoga wholeheartedly. I think my practice prior to PMR is what kept me somewhat mobile at the onset. It definitely has keep me sane in the months after diagnosis.

You might try some simple beginner videos on YouTube before signing up for a class. I have a 30 minute routine that I do at home almost everyday. I do go to classes occasionally for camaraderie and inspiration.

Gym workouts bore me to tears though I know the weight bearing exercises are important. I garden and use hand weights, which I think is enough.

Swimming is another GREAT exercise for our poor old joints. There are classes available to me specifically geared for arthritis sufferers. I feel wonderful after I swim.

Good luck!

I agree and feel that my PMR was also induced by intense physical exercise. In November 2023, at age of 70, I was diagnosed with having Ischial Bursitis (bursitis of the butt). I went for PT where they worked so hard on my hip and butt massaging, stretching me and using a pounding massage gun. I cannot begin to explain how painful it was but I assumed they knew what they were doing. The next day I had such severe pain in the backs of both thighs I could barely move. Thinking that was all part of my PT plan, I stupidly went back for 4 more visits until I could barely walk, could not bend at all and couldn't even get off or on a chair no less a toilet seat! At that point I felt they tore my hamstrings. But then I couldn't lift my arms either and went to a spine specialist who sent me for spinal MRIs thinking they pinched a nerve or fractured something. Nothing was discovered. I was then sent for EMG's of legs and arms and had x-rays taken of hips and nothing was discovered. I even went to an acupuncturist for the pain.
Around the time of suffering I went to see a rheumatologist because I had been putting off for months seeing someone for an osteoporosis diagnosis I received the summer prior. My numbers were just above the borderline. The rheumatologist took routine blood work that she usually does when first seeing an osteoporosis patient but then sent me for many more rounds of blood work, conferred with all the other doctors I had been seeing for the pain and came up with the PMR diagnosis. I was told it could be brought on by some trauma such as a car accident. To me it was brought on by the intense physical therapy I received for the bursitis ( though the rheumatologist says it's unlikely - I do not agree) I had never had any pain issues prior. I had no pain until my first PT visit, though I agree it is almost unbelievable that is what happened. I did have a Covid vaccine in 2020 and a the second shot a few months later but I worked in a school and felt it was in my best interest to get one. I sometimes wonder if that contributed to my issues but then again, I have a friend who never got the shots and is now dealing with some very serious autoimmune issues.
In January I started with 15 mg of Prednisone. I was able to move a little better but still not back to normal. I noticed hands were now swollen in morning as well legs. Is that caused by prednisone. I don't know. So A few weeks later Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) was added. After 5 weeks I was reduced to 10 mg. and a few weeks ago I have been lowered to 7.5 mg and have also stopped the Plaquenil because of hair loss occurring. Probably should have waited to stop that at a different time though because hands still swell in morning. Not sure which med helped with what. This PMR is horrible. I have been following Mayo clinic comments for months and it sounds like this is a life long disease and that I if I ever get off the prednisone, the symptoms could rebound. I've gained 7 pounds, have a larger midriff and face and legs are puffier. So if having pain and feeling like crap isn't enough now I have to deal with self esteem issues and feel and look like crap.
Sorry to go on but I needed to vent because friends and family feel bad but don't really want to hear complaints. Wishing all the PMR suffers success with your treatments and for a pain free life!

It is ironic we meet all with similar paths to get here. I think as others have said some event may have triggered our inflammatory immune responses. Your PT event was definitely traumatic to your system. Covid, vaccine, death of someone close, stress from some event, I dont have the will to figure it out. So I just plug along. Do the things we were raised to understand was beneficial. Exercise to me is my lifeblood but only to what my body can handle. Diet is important. I try my best. Stress maintenance is important. I dont think PMR needs to control my life so I am not convinced it needs to be lifelong. That for me was getting off the prednisone. There is life after. It has some pain and stiffness but I can deal with that.

Thank you for supportive words. I too hope to get off prednisone one day soon. As you said, PMR does not need to control our lives. I guess could deal with some pain and just hopefully not go back to the excruciating pain my PMR journey began with. I will continue to exercise and walk as much as possible and will be more mindful of my diet and see if that helps. Thanks again.

I also was struck down right after I tried collagen.

@ nancy53 Is it wise to start physical therapy when I am in pain from RA and PMR?

I'd consult your doctor. For me personally, very light exercises when first diagnosed helped. Now I find that if I sit too long, I pay the price with stiffness.

These exercises were hard to do at first, six months later I breeze through them.

Thanks so much. In a lot of pain right now. exercise may help!

Yoga and tai chi have helped me so much. I also go to the gym and walk on the treadmill and play tennis at least 1-2x a week. When I don't exercise is when I feel still. I'm down to 5mg of prednisone from 50mg started in Oct. of 23. I want off of this stuff ASAP!