When is physiotherapy recommended for polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica can make the shoulders, hips and upper arms feel stiff and painful, particularly after rest. A physiotherapist can assess which movements are limited and adapt activity to your current symptoms. Treatment may include gentle range-of-motion exercises, gradual strengthening, walking or other suitable activity, and advice about pacing. Physiotherapy supports the medical plan; it does not replace assessment or medicines prescribed for inflammation.

Ask your rheumatology or primary-care clinician whether a physiotherapy referral is suitable once your symptoms are being medically managed. Bring details of morning stiffness, fatigue, falls, walking difficulty and tasks such as dressing or reaching that have become harder. Follow the exercise plan at a tolerable level and report a clear increase in pain, swelling or exhaustion so it can be adjusted.

Contact your clinician promptly if stiffness or pain is worsening, treatment side effects concern you, or you are losing the ability to walk, lift your arms or manage routine tasks. Seek urgent medical help for a sudden severe headache, new vision change, jaw pain while chewing or unusual scalp tenderness, because these symptoms can occur with a related blood-vessel problem.

Would physiotherapy be appropriate at my current stage? Which activities should I limit during a flare? What warning symptoms should prompt a same-day call? How will we track strength, mobility and safe progression?