Polymyalgia

What is Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that causes widespread muscle pain and stiffness, mainly affecting the shoulders, hips, and upper body.

It is most common in adults over 50 and can significantly impact daily activities.

Patients often describe it as: 👉 “I feel very stiff when I wake up” 👉 “Cannot lift my arms properly in the morning” 👉 “Getting out of bed or chair is very difficult”

If you are looking for polymyalgia physiotherapy in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports provides personalised rehabilitation to help you regain mobility and independence.

Causes

The exact cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is not fully understood, but it is linked to inflammation in muscles and surrounding tissues.

Possible contributing factors include:

• Immune system dysfunction
• Age-related inflammatory changes
• Genetic predisposition
• Stress or fatigue
• Associated autoimmune conditions

Symptoms may appear suddenly or gradually over time.

Symptoms (What patients actually feel)

Polymyalgia rheumatica has very characteristic symptoms, especially in daily life:

• Severe morning stiffness (often lasting more than 1 hour)
• Pain in shoulders, upper arms, hips, and thighs
• Difficulty raising arms or getting dressed
• Trouble standing up from a chair
• Stiffness after periods of rest

Patients often say: 👉 “Cannot bend or move properly in the morning” 👉 “Body feels very stiff after sitting”

Other symptoms include:

• Fatigue and low energy
• Muscle weakness
• Poor sleep or night discomfort
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Mood changes or low motivation

What Should I Do?

• Seek medical diagnosis early
• Start physiotherapy alongside medical treatment
• Keep moving gently (avoid complete inactivity)
• Follow a structured exercise plan
• Manage stress and sleep

Early physiotherapy helps maintain mobility and reduce stiffness.

What Shouldn’t I Do?

• Stay inactive due to stiffness
• Ignore symptoms or delay treatment
• Overexert during flare-ups
• Skip rehabilitation exercises
• Self-manage without professional guidance

Avoiding movement can worsen stiffness and prolong recovery.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Polymyalgia

At ACE Physio Sports, physiotherapy focuses on reducing stiffness, improving mobility, and restoring strength safely.

1. Detailed Assessment

• Identify affected muscle groups
• Assess mobility, strength, and function
• Evaluate daily movement limitations

2. Pain Relief & Inflammation Management

• Heat therapy and gentle modalities
• Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension
• Electrotherapy (TENS, ultrasound)

3. Mobility & Stretching Programme

• Gentle stretching exercises
• Range of motion work for shoulders and hips
• Gradual improvement in flexibility

4. Strengthening Programme

• Low-impact strengthening exercises
• Focus on functional muscle groups
• Prevent muscle deconditioning

5. Hydrotherapy & Low-Impact Exercise

• Water-based exercises to reduce joint stress
• Improve movement with less pain

6. Posture & Movement Training

• Improve body mechanics
• Reduce strain on affected muscles

7. Fatigue & Lifestyle Management

• Activity pacing strategies
• Sleep and recovery optimisation
• Stress management techniques

8. Additional Therapies

• Acupuncture for pain relief
• Education on long-term self-management

You can explore more about our treatment approach at https://acephysiosport.com.

Recovery & Long-Term Effects

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a manageable condition with proper care.

With physiotherapy:

✔ Morning stiffness reduces ✔ Movement becomes easier ✔ Strength improves ✔ Daily activities become manageable

Without treatment, stiffness and weakness can worsen, affecting independence.

Recovery varies, but consistent physiotherapy significantly improves outcomes.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

✔ Experience managing inflammatory and age-related conditions ✔ Personalised, safe rehabilitation programs ✔ Focus on improving independence and quality of life ✔ Holistic care (movement, fatigue, lifestyle) ✔ Conveniently located near East Coast Road, Singapore

If you are searching for polymyalgia treatment in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports offers expert, structured rehabilitation tailored to your needs.

Book Appointment

Start your journey towards better movement and less pain.

👉 Book now: https://acephysiosport.com 📞 Call / WhatsApp: +65 81535374