What to expect from physiotherapy for polymyalgia rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica can make the shoulders, hips and upper body stiff and difficult to move, especially after rest. A physiotherapist will ask how symptoms affect dressing, bathing, walking, sleep and getting up from a chair. They may check comfortable joint movement, muscle strength, walking and balance. Treatment does not replace the medicines prescribed to control inflammation; it helps you use your body safely as symptoms settle.

You may practise gentle range-of-motion exercises, short strengthening activities and balance work. The therapist can show you how to pace tasks, change positions and use supports when needed. Home exercises should feel manageable rather than sharply painful. Keep a record of activities that increase stiffness or fatigue, and tell the therapist if a movement causes lasting worsening so the programme can be adjusted.

Contact your medical team promptly if pain or stiffness suddenly becomes much worse, you develop marked weakness, or treatment side effects concern you. Seek urgent help for a new severe headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain when chewing, or any visual change, because polymyalgia rheumatica can occur with a related blood-vessel inflammation that needs rapid assessment.

Ask which activities are appropriate during a flare, how to judge exercise intensity, and when to review progress. You can also ask whether a walking aid, home safety change or referral for balance support would make daily tasks safer.