Polymyositis Treatment

Polymyositis Treatment

Polymyositis is an uncommon inflammatory condition that causes bilateral muscle weakness.

Reduce Pain

Reduce Inflammation

Strengthen Muscles

About the condition

What is Polymyositis?

Polymyositis is a condition in a group of diseases named inflammatory myopathies. It is a condition that causes muscles to become irritated and inflamed all over the body. The muscles start to break down and become weak. Polymyositis affects striated muscle fibers and can come on gradually over weeks or months.The condition most commonly affects people ages 31 to 60, rarely occurring in people younger than 18.

Causes

What are the causes?

Unfortunately the cause of Polymyositis is not known. Experts think that this condition may be related to, or triggered by a viral infection or an autoimmune reaction.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of Polymyositis?

Polymyositis often affects muscles closest to the trunk such as hips, shoulders and neck.

As this condition progresses it can affected the upper esophagus and chest wall, and may cause the following complications:

  • Muscle pain and stiffness
  • Muscle weakness, particularly in the abdomen, shoulders, upper arms, and hips
  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Trouble catching your breath
  • Problems with swallowing
  • Irregular heart rhythms, if the heart muscle becomes inflamed (myocarditis)
  • Malnutrition
  • Weight loss
  • Calcium deposits
  • Aspiration pneumonia
  • Respiratory failure
  • Interstitial lung disease
Treatment

Treatment for Polymyositis

Other common treatments for this condition involve corticosteroid injections and immunosuppressants.

  • Personalised exercise program to maintain strength
  • Resistance training
  • Patient education
  • Aquatic therapy
  • TECAR Therapy
  • Shockwave Therapy
Self care

What can I do at home?

  • Protective measures for the skin, such as avoiding heavy sun exposure, wearing sunscreen and protective clothes as sun exposure causes symptoms to flare up.

Need Help?

Are you suffering from painful Polymyositis? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment. Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.