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Polymyalgia rheumatica is a condition that causes muscle pain (myalgia) as a result of inflammation in the large muscles. Pain is typically experienced in around the hips and shoulders. Physiotherapy is a valuable treatment method to help minimise the pain that is associated with polymyalgia. Specialist physiotherapists at Physio.co.uk are able to provide you with a thorough assessment and treatment plan to suit your needs.


What is Polymyalgia?



The word polymyalgia means pain (algia), stiffness, aching and tenderness experienced in many (poly) of the large muscles (my). The primary muscles affected are those located around the limb girdles like the hip and upper leg muscles and the shoulder and upper arm muscles. Unlike fibromyalgia, polymyalgia is a result of inflammation and damage of muscle fibres.

The cause of polymyalgia is not fully known; however, the inflammation may be caused by immune system abnormalities and genetic factors. Polymyalgia may also be triggered by the aging process or can be a result of stress and fatigue.


Passive stretches and mobilisations of the the knee and hip to relieve pain and stiffnessAbove: Passive stretches and mobilisations of the the knee and hip to relieve pain and stiffness



What are the symptoms of Polymyalgia?



There are a number of symptoms associated with polymyalgia. Symptoms include:
  • Pain, stiffness, aching and tenderness in the large muscles (shoulders, upper arm, hip, upper leg, mainly)
  • Inflammation / Swelling of soft tissues and joints
  • Tiredness / fatigue
  • Depression
  • Night sweats
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
A person with polymyalgia may experience difficulty moving, lifting, raising their arms and getting out of bed due to severe stiffness and pain, especially in the morning. The stiffness may ease after an hour or so once awake and up out of bed and improves as the day goes on. In some cases, symptoms develop over a few days or weeks. However, symptoms can develop a lot slower and progress over a few months.

There are a variety of treatments available for polymyalgia. A dose of the steroid prednisolone is commonly prescribed. Physiotherapy is effective in reducing inflammation and pain that are associated with polymyalgia.


Deep tissue massage to relieve symptoms of painAbove: Deep tissue massage to relieve symptoms of pain



What physiotherapy treatments will I receive for Polymyalgia?



Specialist physiotherapists at Physio.co.ukwill provide you with a thorough assessment and comprehensive treatment plan that is specific to you. The main aim of physiotherapy for polymyalgia is is to reduce any inflammation, pain and stiffness you are experiencing using a combination of strategies. Other goals include increase energy levels, education to improve lifestyle, pain management and help sort sleep patterns. Physiotherapy may include: The success of your physiotherapy course with Physio.co.uk will depend on your commitment and adherence to the treatment and advice provided.


Summary



Polymyalgia rheumatica is a condition that causes muscle pain (myalgia) as a result of inflammation in the large muscles. The inflammation may be caused by immune system abnormalities or genetic factors. Polymyalgia may also be result of stress and fatigue and the ageing process. Polymyalgia is typically experienced in the shoulders, hips, neck upper arms and upper legs. Other symptoms include fatigue, depression and loss of appetite. Symptoms are worse in the morning and improve throughout the day. Physiotherapy is a favoured method to help reduce pain and inflammation associated with polymyalgia. Specialist physiotherapists at Physio.co.uk aim to control pain, improve energy levels and maintain or improve as much mobility and function in the affected areas as possible. Call Physio.co.uk now on 0330 088 7800 for more information or to book an appointment please contact us. You can also book online today!


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