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PMR helped by massager and rub in anti-inflammatory creams

Posted , 6 users are following.

misdiagnose
misdiagnose

I wish I could send a photo of my massager. I paid £100 for it at the health and vitality show and it has helped me immeasurably and was suggested by a doctor. PMR, like GCA (which I also have) is caused by, recent theory suggests, poor blood circulation to the muscles and joints and I am sure my massager increases my blood circulation (so the information leaflet states). I can feel it doing me good by energising me. The anti-inflammation gels and creams can be rubbed in to a selected area, such as the individual shoulders, etc. I have spoken to a doctor who visits people in care homes who told me that this is how they treat their patients with aching, weak or painful muscles and joint pain caused by any kind of diagnosis, therefore avoiding prednisolone, Vit D3 + Cal, regular blood tests, reduction schedules, DEXA scans, etc. Why are these non systemic remedies for PMR not more well known I wonder? 

4 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • erika59785
    erika59785 misdiagnose

    Posted

    Could you tell me the names of these anti-inflammatory creams?  It does make sense that circulation would be increased by massaging the painful areas.
  • misdiagnose
    misdiagnose

    Posted

    I don't think the moderator allows branded recommendations but if you ask your chemist for an anti-inflammation cream (a rub on type), there are dozens on the market of all prices. The cream just delivers a small amount of active ingredient to where it is needed rather than the active ingredient delivered throughout all areas of the body which of course, prednisolone does but with highly undesirable side effects in the process. I hope it works for you as it has worked for me and the people in the care home who all have similar weakness, pain and stiffness in muscles and joints.
    • erika59785
      erika59785 misdiagnose

      Posted

      Thank you, I will check with the pharmacist about a recommendation.  If the pain is close to the skin, I think it might help.
  • jennissw
    jennissw misdiagnose

    Posted

    Happy to read that someone is finding great relief. Im not sure I agree that poor blood circulation would cause the pain. PMR is autoimmune, and,  therefore, as I understand it, your joints are under attack from your own immune system...hence needing medication to suppress the immune system.

    Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory gel and, to be honest gave me NIL relief. I like the thought of a massage though...and i do think a combo of gel and massage would possibly give some relief. Good luck with it.

    • EileenH
      EileenH jennissw

      Posted

      Topical gels took the edge off the pain for me but no more than that so I decided it wasn't worth it. Massage is good though - although I sometimes feel worse before feeling better!

      Topical NSAIDs (like ibuprofen gel) should not be used alongside pred anyway - sufficient can be absorbed through the skin to contribute to gastric bleeding. And that is definitely NOT nice.

  • pat38625
    pat38625 misdiagnose

    Posted

    Hi Misdiagnose, I have a magnasagger (actually I have two)  I couldn't be without one.  I lent one to a friend and it got lost somewhere down the line and then I purchased another one and would you believe it, yes she found it, so that's why I have two.  I do believe in magnet therapy and drink magnetised water.  I always have a 2 litre bottle  of water on a magnetic coaster, so am never without.  The only thing is that you may need another person to use the massager on yourself because it's difficult to reach some areas.  So good luck on your journey.  Regards Pat
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