1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
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Acupuncture and PMR

Posted by gjc111 @gjc111, Feb 17, 2022

Has anyone tried or had any luck with acupuncture treating their pain and symptoms with acupuncture?

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

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donmayoclinic | @donmayoclinic | May 25, 2023
In reply to @raven1955 "Before I was diagnosed with PMR and began taking prednisone, I tried a number of things..." + (show)
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Before I was diagnosed with PMR and began taking prednisone, I tried a number of things including massage and acupuncture. Massage was good for about 10 minutes of relief. I had 3 acupuncture sessions. The first two gave some relief for a few hours but not what I needed. The 3rd treatment left me in worse shape than when I started. Thankfully I was finally diagnosed with PMR shortly after the 3rd treatment and began taking prednisone. Sure, there are/can be side effects from prednisone but it gave me back my life. No, I'm not at the level I once was but I have a decent quality of life and few limitations. Prior to prednisone I was almost limited to staying home and no longer working at all. You have to get the underlying inflammation under control and I don't see how massage or acupuncture can accomplish it. Obviously I am a big fan of prednisone. It's easy for those who haven't dealt with PMR to suggest all sorts of alternatives. My well meaning wife, friends and relatives all did the same, but they couldn't truly understand what a person with PMR was dealing with.

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I agree that massage and/or acupuncture are not the solution(s). I use prednisone and it is enormously helpful (but also appreciate tapering down - the high dose had too many side effects). And I do think, if you can afford it, massage and acupuncture are good compliments to the medicine treatment.

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lanieg | @lanieg | May 25, 2023

Thanks grrammy82. I've decided to give it a try.

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freeme | @freeme | May 25, 2023
In reply to @lanieg "Thank you for your input and experience, Raven. I've been reaching for something besides prednisone since..." + (show)
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Thank you for your input and experience, Raven. I've been reaching for something besides prednisone since it triples my blood sugar. As a Type 1 diabetic that can cause all types of complications, even on a low dose.
Really appreciate your response.

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Just before diagnosed I used traditional massage, Trager massage, regular PT and a naprapath as well as Chiropractor. While all helped somewhat here and there overall I was disappointed. I also tried all types of pain ointments. Nothing worked. I did get some relief from serrapeptase as well as hbot and a pemf mat. I currently use hbot and the pemf mat extensively along with the prednisone to keep the dose down and heal more quickly I hope. I think they help.

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grammy82 | @grammy82 | May 25, 2023
In reply to @lanieg "Thanks grrammy82. I've decided to give it a try." + (show)
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Thanks grrammy82. I've decided to give it a try.

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You have made my day~!! My best to you and please let me know...my thoughts💞

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tag52 | @tag52 | May 26, 2023

Yes, I gave it a try. I went for five visits, but did not think it helped me at all. She had the proper training (certified Chinese, etc.) and I know she was capable, but it did not seem to me at all.

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grammy82 | @grammy82 | May 26, 2023
In reply to @tag52 "Yes, I gave it a try. I went for five visits, but did not think it..." + (show)
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Yes, I gave it a try. I went for five visits, but did not think it helped me at all. She had the proper training (certified Chinese, etc.) and I know she was capable, but it did not seem to me at all.

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I'm sure she was capable and I'm really sorry there was no relief @tag52 . At least you gave it a shot!
Are you happy with your rheumatologist? 💞

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grammy82 | @grammy82 | May 27, 2023
In reply to @lanieg "What are hbot and pemf mat?" + (show)
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What are hbot and pemf mat?

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I was curious about this myself... @lanieg so I Googled it:
https://www.google.com/search
It was easier for me to share the link than explain all the various treatments. Have a good one..💞

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lanieg | @lanieg | May 27, 2023

Thanks for the link. That explains it. Quite expensive.

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virginiaj | @virginiaj | May 28, 2023
In reply to @grammy82 "I'm sure she was capable and I'm really sorry there was no relief @tag52 . At..." + (show)
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I'm sure she was capable and I'm really sorry there was no relief @tag52 . At least you gave it a shot!
Are you happy with your rheumatologist? 💞

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I may have posted this previously, but I tried accupuncture before my latest PMR diagnosis. In a conversation with the acupuncturist, she mentioned that she saw someone with an autoimmune disease and it actually got worse because accupuncture can make the immune system stronger. I had weird symptoms after several sessions of accupuncture. The day after the session, I had jaw pain one time and sciatica the next. Not too long after that PMR was back and I think it was underlying at the time. (The accupuncture was intended for a sore knee)

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