Hi @jmcc I'm wondering if the pain in your shoulders is related to PMR or something else. I first had PMR, then Giant Cell Arteritis. Over the last six months, I've tapered from 40 mg prednisone to 7.5 mg. My CRP is slightly elevated, about 1.2 (down from 10.6) and virtually all of my pain is gone, except for my right shoulder. I have osteoarthritis, tendonitis and impingement. When the pain is very bad, occasionally, I take acetaminophen, on the advice of my rheumatologist, but I can usually tough it out. I have been going to physical therapy for the last four months and opted not to get cortizone shots to treat the shoulder. Very slowly, doing the exercises, my shoulder is getting better - less pain and slightly more range of motion.Shoiulders take a long time to heal. If you're concerned about atrophy, why not check in with a physical therapist for some gentle exercises? I purchased a shoulder pulley, which helps with range of motion exercises, and use an infrared heating pad (Thermotex) at night to relieve the pain in my shoulder. I hope this helps. All the best.