How effective is physiotherapy for polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica commonly causes pain and marked stiffness around the shoulders, neck, and hips. Physiotherapy does not replace the medical treatment used to control the underlying inflammation. Once symptoms are sufficiently controlled, a therapist can help maintain shoulder and hip range, improve posture, and rebuild strength lost during a painful period.

The programme may begin with gentle active movements and practical strategies for dressing, bathing, rising from a chair, or climbing stairs. It can then progress to light resistance, balance work, and endurance activities. The plan should be adjusted when morning stiffness, fatigue, or a medication change alters what feels manageable.

Keep appointments with the clinician managing your inflammation and tell the physiotherapist about new symptoms or treatment changes. Break demanding tasks into smaller periods, use comfortable movement throughout the day, and avoid abruptly increasing exercise. A simple record of stiffness, fatigue, walking tolerance, and shoulder function can help the team judge progress.

Contact your medical team promptly if stiffness or pain returns strongly, function worsens, or you develop unusual fatigue or fever. New headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain while chewing, or visual symptoms needs urgent medical assessment because it can signal a related blood-vessel complication. Do not change prescribed medicine without advice.

Ask when exercise is appropriate for your current inflammation level, which movements should be limited, and how to recognise a flare. Clarify how physiotherapy fits with medication monitoring and whether bone-strength or fall-prevention support is needed.