Suddenly much better

Posted by pkalkstein @pkalkstein, Oct 9 2:15pm

I am approaching the 3rd anniversary of this blasted disorder, and have successfully tapered to 1.5 mg prednisone daily. But PMR has been ever present until one week ago. When I took my daily walk through the woods, I noticed pretty quickly that it no longer felt like my thighs were bound by an elastic cord, and my step felt much lighter--walking had become the joy that it always had been before PMR. My balance is back. My shoulders don't hurt. I can tell that the PMR hasn't quit, but for the present it has loosened its grip.
It took me two days to realize what had changed in my life, and perhaps why my PMR had lessened. I had pulled out my old cheap vibration plate to help with lower back pain (which is does). I used the plate for several days. PMR stayed calm; life looked suddenly much better.
There is no research on PMR and vibration, but if you ask one of the chatbots, as I did, you may find that WBV ("whole body vibration") can lessen inflammation, among other benefits. So it makes sense. I'll report later on whether or not my good fortune keeps up. Meanwhile, it's 15 minutes a day on the vibration plate.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

Profile picture for tweetypie13 @tweetypie13

@leonalawrence
My success at lower dose was no more than 10% reduction. Abt 7-8 it gets harder, don’t be surprised. Also it was 30 day intervals. If you get a reaction, you can alternate days, i.e., 8 day 1, then 7, for a week to ease into it.

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@tweetypie13
Thanks for the alternate day
Intervals idea. 7 or 8 gets harder. Good to know.

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I now have a vibration plate on the way. Interesting idea. Makes sense that it could help
Inflammation. Will let you know.

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Profile picture for jjn55 @jjn55

Good for you. Hope the relief continues.
I am 3 months in on PMR, just did my first prednisone reduction. Feeling the tingle in my shoulder and upper arms. Hopeful it will settle in next few days.
I would love some info on the vibration plate.
Warm regards. Janet

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@jjn55 I broke a toe when I fell off a vibration plate. I have no idea whether they can be safe.

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Profile picture for rosemargaret @rosemargaret

Never heard of it but it's so good to hear positive news. Hope it continues and be well.
Can you provide me with information about this item and where you purchased it?

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@rosemargaret I have had one for about 30 years already. Then went to a gym for the proper explanation.
It helps to keep your muscles in shape, but I suggest to use a low speed. I have one where I stand up with handbars; nice to put your hands on when the pain is there, the vibration makes it feel better.
I live in Belgium so that won’t help you for an adress, I’m sorry. All the best!

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Profile picture for leonalawrence @leonalawrence

I began prednisone in May 2025.
Started at 15 mg and got to 20mg a day to get rid of stubborn hip pain.
Then I started down in dosage after a month. Went 15 to 12.5 to 10 at 30 day intervals.
Then started dropping one mg after 30 days. So a slow progression. doc says it seems to help keep PMR from coking back with this 30 day drop one Mg progression.
I am 10 days until going to 8 mg for 30 days and so far so good.
I read where some docs were lowering the mg after 3 days or a week.
If you are getting pain on this quicker pace try the drop 1 mg every 30 days. I will report back when I reach 6 or 7 mg a day.
Anyone else already do this route?

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@leonalawrence Yes, I dropped quickly in the first month (started at 20mg) and then at 10mg started dropping 1mg per month. I got stuck around 5mg and had to stay at that level longer and then stuck again at 1mg for quite awhile. It took about 2.5 years in total but I have been off for over a year and pain free!

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I am of the opinion that “vibration” helps. My personal Functional Movement Specialist uses the TVT, i .e., Targeted Vibration Therapy on me. She has been for several months now. (I see her 2x a week)
From the internet……Amongst many things, it……
“TVT revitalizes the body by promoting better circulation, reducing inflammation, and encouraging overall healing.”
Additionally, I have had personal training on the PowerPlate.

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My friend found a very good used one in excellent shape for just over $100. She said there were lots out there. I always try to avoid Amazon if I can!

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Profile picture for tweetypie13 @tweetypie13

I am of the opinion that “vibration” helps. My personal Functional Movement Specialist uses the TVT, i .e., Targeted Vibration Therapy on me. She has been for several months now. (I see her 2x a week)
From the internet……Amongst many things, it……
“TVT revitalizes the body by promoting better circulation, reducing inflammation, and encouraging overall healing.”
Additionally, I have had personal training on the PowerPlate.

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@tweetypie13
Targeted Vibration Therapy. New to me.
Thanks for the information on TVT.. I will think of this as I start my vibration plate.

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My introduction to PMR came from a friend that was just going through Giant Cell Artertis (GCA) treatment. She was not diagnosed with PMR by many doctors for many years and eventually became GCA. She now is considered both PMR and GCA.
Do any members here currently have or have had GCA? ? My friend with GCA has had GCA come back a few times this year when she is on low to no dose of Prednisone. Is there any feedback that suggests staying on Prednisone at minimal dose to prevent GCA may work? Or any other treatment besides prednisone may help?
I read that 20% of PMR patients may have GCA at some time. So I am asking for my friend and for me.

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Profile picture for leonalawrence @leonalawrence

@tweetypie13
Targeted Vibration Therapy. New to me.
Thanks for the information on TVT.. I will think of this as I start my vibration plate.

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@leonalawrence
Sorry to mislead……TVT is a gun you use on yourself as you move the appropriate body part. You have to move the body part it’s being used on. Not a theragun.

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