I also tapered off prednisone with only small flares. No prednisone after January. About 3 months later I started experiencing stiffness in my hip girdle and neck, but nowhere else. During PMR I was also hobbled from my neck to my knees and my hands. This does feel different and moving around loosens me up, which was not true with PMR. It also responds somewhat to ibuprofen, which PMR definitely did not. I have found that taking an Advil at night before I retire helps with the morning stiffness. I may try one after lunch as well. I wish the prednisone side effects would have subsided instead of the muscle stiffness!