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    rheumatology

    Polymyalgia Rheumatica (adjunctive care)

    Also known as: polymyalgia rheumatica, PMR, shoulder hip stiffness elderly

    Polymyalgia rheumatica causes severe shoulder and hip stiffness, worse in the morning, typically over 50 — with high inflammation markers. Corticosteroids are the proven core. Chinese medicine supports wind-damp, qi-blood and liver-kidney patterns alongside, including during steroid taper.

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    Lifestyle & Diet

    • •Steroids are the proven core — discuss tapering with your doctor, not alone.
    • •Gentle movement prevents stiffness settling.
    • •Bone protection matters during steroid treatment.
    • •Any headache or vision change with PMR is urgent — it can threaten sight.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    See sources
    • •Herbal support never replaces corticosteroid treatment for PMR.[]

    When to reassess or seek care again

    See sources

    Review every 4–8 weeks with rheumatology: inflammatory markers, steroid dose, symptoms.

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    Sources & Further Reading

    Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.

    1. Polymyalgia rheumatica — NHS
      NHS · 2024
    2. Polymyalgia rheumatica — MedlinePlus
      National Library of Medicine · 2024
    3. Healthdirect Australia
      Healthdirect Australia · 2024

    Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.