physical therapy for PMR

Hello @deborahinmaine, Welcome to Connect. That's a good question, I haven't seen anything about physical therapy as a treatment for PMR but do know from my own experience with PMR that exercise is beneficial as long as you don't over do it. Here's a reference I found that speaks to your question.

"Physical Therapy Management
There is currently no evidence for the use of physical therapy in the treatment of patients with PMR. However, it is still important to be aware that patients may still be referred to you with a primary diagnosis of PMR, or with PMR as a co-morbidity. Physical therapy can be incorporated as a valuable component of a therapeutic regiment for this patient group in order to reduce the risk of early functional impairment and severe disability.[20] A combination of exercise therapy and education is recommended in the treatment of PMR."
-- Polymyalgia Rheumatica:
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Polymyalgia_Rheumatica

Are you also on prednisone to treat the PMR?

Physical therapy has helped me with PMR. Specific exercises to target my issues were addressed. For example, some exercises to improve balance, and exercises to strengthen the specific muscles involved in PMR have been beneficial to me. PT has helped me direct my exercise in a positive direction.

PT has helped me by giving me a workable plan to keep moderate exercise in my daily routine. The balance exercises and specific exercises directed to the muscles affected by PMR are helpful as well. I highly recommend PT. It gives direction to your exercise routine.

Thanks John…. I am on 5mg. of prednisone, the dose I’ve stayed at for about 5 months now. Started at 15mg. about 18 months ago.
I totally agree about the exercise…with colder weather I am walking less and noticing more pain.
Thanks for info and the link with more info about PT for PMR.
Deborah

Thanks so much Sharon for your positive response. I’m looking forward to getting this help.

Before being diagnosed with PMR, I was not feeling good for several months with no specific ailments, but a general feeling of malaise. I lost weight, had night sweats and ran a low grade temperature. I was unable to continue my regular exercise routine because I felt so bad and had little energy. After diagnosis, neither my rheumatologist nor my primary recommended PT, but I requested it. I needed a plan to begin to get back my muscle strength and also my balance. I continue to notice that when I begin a walk, my gait is off until I get several steps in. The PT watched me walk, gave me hints on how to improve my gait, provided balance, weight bearing exercises and multiple stretches. It all seems to be working, and I could not have figured it out on my own.

I'm a big believer in PT. A caveat: Don't be afraid to "shop around" until you find the right group for you. Some are more gym-like and noisy with little individual attention. Some seem too bossy. If you are having problems with an excercise, and think it might be harmful-don't do it and tell them why. It is your body and you are the ultimate judge. I would be going right now but had to finish with the one I like so my insurance would pay for the one for my arm that will be affected by radiation treatment. I think everyone can agree that life sometimes get very complicated.

Hi @deborahinmaine, I wasn't diagnosed with PMR/GCA for a year after symptoms started. I had severe pain and stiffness everywhere from my neck down and pursued PT alone as I didn't realize I had an autoimmune disorder. I did all the exercises I was given faithfully with no results. In the past, with other problems like stiff neck and carpal tunnel syndrome, PT worked wonders. I didn't get any relief from the PMR/GCA pain until I started prednisone. Now I'm in remission, and I have some minor aches and pains, but they're manageable. I did keep moving as much as I could through my symptoms, but it was difficult and hurt a lot. I don't know how much worse off I would have been without the exercise and PT. Now I'm back to doing what I can and have regained muscle mass.