Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness around the shoulders and hips.
In patients with PMR, the synovial membranes and bursae that line and lubricate the joints become inflamed, causing pain and discomfort.
PMR often begins quickly, causing muscular aching and stiffness and is usually worse in the morning. The pain will usually fade over the course of the day but may return after prolonged periods of inactivity. It is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 50. The ongoing pain and stiffness may lead to decreased muscle use and this can cause muscle weakness.
PMR is an inflammatory condition which has no known cause, although it is thought that there may be genetic and environmental factors, with the condition often being present in family history and triggered seasonally.
Other factors are:
PMR will often affect the body symmetrically, and will most commonly affect the shoulder and hip areas and will come on suddenly. Patients often wake up one morning with extreme stiffness and soreness for no apparent reason.Other symptoms can include:
PMR is often treated with corticosteroids, the dosage will depend on the severity of symptoms.
Physiotherapy is recommended to accompany this medication to promote a return to full activities by:
Are you suffering from painful PMR? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment. Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.
