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What is polymyalgia rheumatica?
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a condition which causes inflammation and pain in a number of joints. It usually affects women over the age of seventy but can also be a problem for men. Physiotherapy is an effective way to minimise the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica and Physio.co.uk have specialist physiotherapists that are experienced in treating the condition.
What are the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica?
Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica vary between individuals and you may experience flare ups where your symptoms are worse than usual. It is important to get your symptoms under control as soon as possible and your physiotherapist at Physio.co.uk will have specific treatments and advice to help you do this. Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica may include:
- Early morning stiffness
- Pain
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Anxiety and depression
- Anaemia
- Unable to carry out your normal activities of daily living
How is polymyalgia rheumatica diagnosed?
There is no specific test to diagnose polymyalgia rheumatica so doctors use a variety of ways to confirm that you have the condition. Possible tests include:
- Blood tests
- Examination of your symptoms
- Physical assessment
- MRI scan
How will physiotherapy help with polymyalgia rheumatica?
Physiotherapy will help manage the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica in a number of different ways. All treatment programmes created by Physio.co.uk for polymyalgia rheumatica vary as each one will be personal to the individual. Physiotherapy can benefit polymyalgia rheumatica by:
- Improving range of movement
- Reducing pain
- Increasing cardiovascular levels
- Allowing you to return to your normal activities of daily living/sports
- Increasing muscle strength
- Reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Reducing stiffness
What physiotherapy will be used for polymyalgia rheumatica?
The physiotherapy in your treatment programme will depend on the assessment carried out by Physio.co.uk. Your programme will be slightly different each session and will be progressed to your level. Physiotherapy may include:
- Strengthening exercises
- Pain control modalities
- TENS treatment for pain relief
- Range of movement exercises
- Hydrotherapy
- Wax therapy
- Heat therapy
- Electrotherapy including ultrasound and Megapulse
- Cardiovascular activities
- Massage
- Provision of specialist equipment to help you at home
- Pacing advice
Summary
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that causes pain and stiffness in a number of muscles. There are a number of symptoms associated with polymyalgia rheumatica and these can be successfully controlled with physiotherapy. Physio.co.uk have experienced physiotherapists that will be able to create a personalised treatment programme to suit your needs. Please call Physio.co.uk on 0330 088 7800 to book an appointment today. or alternatively book an appointment online
