1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

PMR and exercise: What helps you?

Posted by jcaffrey47 @jcaffrey47, Jul 17, 2021

We are told that we have to stay active but what does that mean? This issue became very real for me when I attempted to swim the crawl stroke in the swimming pool. I was feeling pretty good at the time. The prednisone had kicked in and I swam the equivalent of two laps. The next day my shoulders were on fire and I was suffering a full flare; my first. Maybe everyone reading this will say that I was foolish to do any exercise that involve my shoulders and that I should limit my exercise to other parts of the body like walking or maybe biking. Let’s start a dialogue and find out what exercises work for all of us.

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pmrsuzie | @pmrsuzie | Mar 27 10:13pm

nancy53, thanks for the exercise link. I'm in bed for the night, watched it though, will do the exercises tomorrow.

My crp was 87 in the beginning, could hardly move in the morning, even using a cane was difficult.

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janetorcas | @janetorcas | Apr 26 1:16am

Wondering if others are also experiencing "crashes" after mild exercise. I find that even easy walking can set me back for days - massive fatigue, 2-3 hour naps most days. I haven't had pain flare-ups in the usual PMR areas, but stiffness along my spine, ribs and low back.
It has been suggested by my Physio that I may also have ME/CFS. Is there a subset of patients that develop both conditions concurrently?

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khof | @khof | 1 day ago
In reply to @tsc "I've done yoga in the past as well, but I have a confession to make, I..." + (show)
@tsc

I've done yoga in the past as well, but I have a confession to make, I found it boring, at least the classes I attended here. Heresy, eh? Through the years, I used a pretty good Yoga DVD from Stott Pilates called Simple Stretches which I did often before PMR hit me bad, and I couldn't manage mat work. Overall I preferred the high number of exercises we did in Pilates classes and their quick pace. Now some of the yoga poses, similar to the Pilates, are contraindicated for those with osteoporosis. I loved pigeon as well, but it's one to avoid with osteoporosis. I have to research a good program of exercises to supplement walking everyday.

Jump to this post

I wish I could get interested in yoga, and I've tried several times with different instructors but I just couldn't keep the interest to attend classes. I tried Pilates and loved it, I think because of the quicker pace (moving meditation?) I even became certified and taught. With PMR I've really had to step the intensity and time down to almost a beginner level, but the good news is that, at the beginner level, I'm still able to keep it up (same with barre classes). I had to have a "chat with myself" telling me that I'm not going backwards but instead to use this time to really perfect the movements and breathing.

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1 reply
Teri | @tsc | 1 day ago
In reply to @khof "I wish I could get interested in yoga, and I've tried several times with different instructors..." + (show)
@khof

I wish I could get interested in yoga, and I've tried several times with different instructors but I just couldn't keep the interest to attend classes. I tried Pilates and loved it, I think because of the quicker pace (moving meditation?) I even became certified and taught. With PMR I've really had to step the intensity and time down to almost a beginner level, but the good news is that, at the beginner level, I'm still able to keep it up (same with barre classes). I had to have a "chat with myself" telling me that I'm not going backwards but instead to use this time to really perfect the movements and breathing.

Jump to this post

Hi @khof,
Dr. Loren Fishman has a short yoga workout, posted on YouTube, "12 Poses vs Osteoporosis" and an ongoing study. The selected yoga poses increase bone density. It takes about 15 minutes, not long enough for me to get bored.
My level of physical activity has really taken a step back since the onset of PMR/GCA. The fact that I need a shoulder replacement doesn't help.
I manage a 25 minute walk with my husband most days, use a rebounder, and do Dr. Fishman's yoga. That's about it.
I'm with you. I think it's important to keep moving!

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khmc | @khmc | 17 hours ago

I alternate biking with Ying Yoga, gentle swimming aerobics, and walking on the beach, or on trails when I am in the mountains. Walking on concrete hurts my hips. A program on PBS- Eccentrics by Miranda Esmond White at 6am (I record) is 22 minutes of gentle stretching exercise. I am near a beach so taking of my shoes and walking in the sand feels really good. I think as long as you vary the exercise and take days in between works the best.

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