Polymyalgia Rheumatica

What is Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that causes pain and stiffness in multiple muscle groups, particularly the shoulders, neck, hips, and thighs.

It most commonly affects adults over 50, especially women, and can significantly impact daily movement and independence.

Patients often describe it as: 👉 “I feel extremely stiff when I wake up” 👉 “Cannot lift my arms or get out of bed easily” 👉 “Body feels tight and painful after resting”

If you are looking for polymyalgia rheumatica physiotherapy in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports provides structured rehabilitation to help reduce stiffness and improve mobility safely.

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
• Associated autoimmune conditions

Symptoms may appear suddenly or gradually and often fluctuate with flare-ups.

Symptoms (What patients actually feel)

Polymyalgia rheumatica presents with distinct, real-life symptoms:

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

Patients commonly say: 👉 “Cannot move properly in the morning” 👉 “Feels very stiff after sitting for a while”

Other symptoms include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Mild fever
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• General feeling of being unwell

What Should I Do?

• Seek medical diagnosis early
• Begin physiotherapy alongside medical treatment
• Stay gently active (avoid complete rest)
• Follow a structured rehabilitation plan
• Monitor flare-ups and adjust activity

Early management helps maintain independence and mobility.

What Shouldn’t I Do?

• Ignore persistent stiffness or pain
• Stay inactive due to discomfort
• Overexert during flare-ups
• Delay physiotherapy treatment
• Self-manage without guidance

Avoiding treatment can worsen stiffness and prolong recovery.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Polymyalgia Rheumatica

At ACE Physio Sports, physiotherapy focuses on reducing stiffness, improving movement, and restoring function.

1. Detailed Assessment

• Identify affected muscle groups
• Assess mobility, strength, and functional limitations
• Evaluate daily activity challenges

2. Pain Relief & Inflammation Management

• Gentle manual therapy
• Heat therapy and electrotherapy
• Techniques to reduce discomfort

3. Mobility & Flexibility

• Range of motion exercises
• Stretching for shoulders and hips
• Gradual improvement of joint movement

4. Strengthening Programme

• Low-impact strengthening exercises
• Support muscles around affected joints
• Prevent deconditioning

5. Posture & Movement Training

• Improve body mechanics
• Reduce unnecessary strain

6. Fatigue & Energy Management

• Activity pacing strategies
• Balance between rest and movement
• Lifestyle and sleep guidance

7. Functional Rehabilitation

• Improve ability to perform daily tasks
• Restore independence and confidence

8. Education & Self-Management

• Flare-up management strategies
• Long-term exercise planning

You can learn more about our rehabilitation approach at https://acephysiosport.com.

Recovery & Long-Term Effects

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a manageable condition with the right approach.

With physiotherapy:

✔ Morning stiffness reduces ✔ Movement becomes easier ✔ Strength and endurance improve ✔ Daily activities become more manageable

Without treatment, stiffness and weakness may worsen over time.

Recovery varies, but consistent physiotherapy leads to better long-term outcomes.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

✔ Experience managing inflammatory and age-related conditions ✔ Personalised, safe rehabilitation programmes ✔ Focus on long-term independence and quality of life ✔ Holistic care including movement and fatigue management ✔ Conveniently located near East Coast Road, Singapore

If you are searching for polymyalgia rheumatica treatment in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports offers expert, tailored care to support your recovery.

Book Appointment

Take control of your mobility and reduce stiffness today.

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