Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
What is polymyalgia rheumatica?
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in multiple joints. It most commonly affects women over the age of seventy, but men can also be affected. Physiotherapy can be an effective way to reduce the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica, and at acephysiosports.com, our specialist physiotherapists have extensive experience in managing this condition.
What are the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica?
Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica can vary between individuals, and you may experience flare-ups where your symptoms become more severe than usual. It is important to manage these symptoms promptly, and your physiotherapist at acephysiosports.com can provide tailored treatments and advice to help you do so.
- Muscle pain and stiffness – particularly in the shoulders, neck, hips, and thighs.
- Morning stiffness – symptoms are often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
- Fatigue – feeling unusually tired or weak.
- Fever – mild to moderate increases in body temperature.
- Loss of appetite – sometimes accompanied by weight loss.
- General malaise – a feeling of being unwell or discomfort throughout the body.
How is polymyalgia rheumatica diagnosed?
There is no single test to diagnose polymyalgia rheumatica, so doctors use a combination of assessments to confirm the condition. Possible tests may include:
- Physical examination – to check for muscle stiffness, tenderness, and reduced range of motion.
- Blood tests – including ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and CRP (C-reactive protein) to detect inflammation.
- Complete blood count (CBC) – to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
- Imaging tests – such as ultrasound, MRI, or X-rays to assess inflammation in joints and surrounding tissues.
- Response to corticosteroids – improvement of symptoms after a short course of steroids can support the diagnosis.
f a diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica is confirmed, it is important to begin physiotherapy as soon as possible to maximise recovery potential. At acephysiosports.com, our physiotherapists will carry out a comprehensive assessment, which will form the basis of an individualised treatment programme tailored to your needs. Your physiotherapist will encourage you to take an active role in your rehabilitation and will work with you to set both short-term and long-term goals.
How will physiotherapy help with polymyalgia rheumatica?
Physiotherapy can help manage the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica in several ways. Each treatment programme at acephysiosports.com is personalised to the individual, ensuring it meets your specific needs.
- Pain relief – using gentle techniques and exercises to reduce discomfort.
- Improved joint mobility – maintaining and enhancing flexibility in affected areas.
- Muscle strengthening – supporting weakened muscles around painful joints.
- Posture correction – reducing strain on joints and improving daily movement.
- Energy and fatigue management – pacing activities and balancing rest with exercise.
- Return to daily activities – gradually restoring independence and functional ability.
- Education and self-management – teaching strategies to manage flare-ups and prevent further discomfort.
What physiotherapy will be used for polymyalgia rheumatica?
The physiotherapy included in your treatment programme will be based on the assessment carried out by acephysiosports.com. Each session may vary slightly and will be adapted to your current abilities and progress.
- Range of motion exercises – to maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness in affected joints.
- Strengthening exercises – to support muscles around painful areas and improve overall function.
- Manual therapy – gentle hands-on techniques to alleviate stiffness and improve mobility.
- Posture and movement training – correcting alignment and movement patterns to reduce joint strain.
- Energy conservation strategies – teaching pacing and activity modification to manage fatigue.
- Aerobic and low-impact exercises – such as walking or swimming to maintain general fitness without stressing joints.
- Patient education – guidance on self-management, flare-up prevention, and safe exercise routines.
Summary
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that causes pain and stiffness in multiple muscles. While the symptoms can vary, they can often be effectively managed with physiotherapy. At acephysiosports.com, our experienced physiotherapists can design a personalised treatment programme tailored to your needs. To book an appointment, call us today on +65 81535374 or schedule your session online.
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