Polymyositis

What is Polymyositis?

Polymyositis is a rare autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks its own muscles, causing inflammation, weakness, and reduced function.

It mainly affects large muscle groups such as the shoulders, hips, thighs, and back, making everyday activities difficult.

Patients often describe it as: 👉 “My muscles feel weak, not just painful” 👉 “I struggle to climb stairs or get up from a chair” 👉 “I feel tired even with small activities”

If you are looking for polymyositis physiotherapy in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports provides structured rehabilitation to help restore strength and improve independence.

Causes

The exact cause of polymyositis is not fully understood, but it is linked to immune system dysfunction.

Possible contributing factors include:

• Autoimmune response attacking muscle tissue
• Genetic predisposition
• Inflammatory triggers
• Associated autoimmune conditions

It can affect adults and, in some cases, children (juvenile polymyositis).

Symptoms (What patients actually feel)

Polymyositis symptoms are often progressive and affect daily function:

• Muscle weakness (especially shoulders, hips, thighs)
• Difficulty climbing stairs or standing up
• Trouble lifting arms overhead
• Fatigue and low energy
• Muscle pain or tenderness

Patients often say: 👉 “Cannot get up from sitting easily” 👉 “Feel weak when walking or climbing stairs”

Other symptoms include:

• Difficulty swallowing (in severe cases)
• Shortness of breath if chest muscles are involved
• Reduced mobility and endurance
• Mild fever or general feeling of being unwell

What Should I Do?

• Seek medical diagnosis early
• Start physiotherapy alongside medical treatment
• Stay active with guided exercise
• Follow a structured rehabilitation plan
• Monitor fatigue and energy levels

Early physiotherapy helps maintain muscle strength and function.

What Shouldn’t I Do?

• Ignore progressive muscle weakness
• Overexert during fatigue or flare-ups
• Stay inactive for long periods
• Delay rehabilitation
• Self-manage without guidance

Balancing activity and rest is key in managing polymyositis.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Polymyositis

At ACE Physio Sports, physiotherapy focuses on improving strength safely while managing fatigue and inflammation.

1. Detailed Assessment

• Muscle strength and endurance evaluation
• Functional movement assessment
• Fatigue and activity tolerance analysis

2. Pain & Symptom Management

• Gentle manual therapy
• Low-intensity exercises
• Techniques to reduce discomfort

3. Strengthening Programme

• Gradual, controlled strengthening exercises
• Focus on large muscle groups
• Prevent muscle wasting

4. Mobility & Flexibility

• Range of motion exercises
• Stretching to maintain flexibility
• Prevent stiffness

5. Functional Training

• Sit-to-stand training
• Stair climbing practice
• Daily activity rehabilitation

6. Fatigue & Energy Management

• Activity pacing strategies
• Balance between exercise and rest
• Lifestyle and recovery planning

7. Breathing Support (if needed)

• Breathing exercises
• Improve respiratory muscle function

8. Low-Impact Conditioning

• Walking programs
• Hydrotherapy or light aerobic exercise

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

Recovery & Long-Term Effects

Polymyositis is a chronic condition, but it can be managed effectively.

With physiotherapy:

✔ Muscle strength improves ✔ Fatigue becomes manageable ✔ Daily activities become easier ✔ Independence increases

Without treatment, muscle weakness may progress and limit mobility.

Consistency and guided rehabilitation are essential for long-term outcomes.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

✔ Experience managing autoimmune and muscle conditions ✔ Personalised rehabilitation programmes ✔ Safe, progressive strengthening approach ✔ Focus on long-term independence and quality of life ✔ Conveniently located near East Coast Road, Singapore

If you are searching for polymyositis treatment in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports provides expert, structured care tailored to your needs.

Book Appointment

Start improving your strength and mobility today.

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