Polymyalgia Rheumatica

I have a student that has had polymyalgia rheumatica in the past and is currently had a relapse of symptoms. She has attributed her first recovery to yoga and meditation practice. She is a health care researcher by profession and is quite systematic and unemotional about her self studies. She attends our yoga classes with great regularity here in the community. While she has been quite stiff I have noticed vast improvement in her flexibility even in the midst of this last occurrence.

Encouraging the use of the breath has been vital to her practice. Because the stretches are intense she has a tendency to both grimace and hold her breath. As you know neither of these will help relaxation. As I write this, I respond and say, don't go so deep! She is truly practicing with great care and not pushing – because of the tightness the smallest of movements can create a very intense stretch. Breathe! Gentle assists, not to encourage a deeper stretch but to encourage relaxation have also helped her to remember and realize the goal of relaxation. With a gentle rubbing of my hands and placing them gently on her shoulders, the side of her hip (if that is what she is stretching), or even at her temples if she is in a rest pose of savasana has been helpful and appreciated. I hope this is helpful.

Blessings,
Willow

The following was her comment:

"I follow the yoga (stretching) postures and deep body relaxation/meditation protocol that Jon Kabat Zinn recommends in "Full Catastrophe Living". (This is an audiotape 45 minute twice a day commitment). I use the following natural anti-inflammatory supplements: Ginger + Curcumin (1500 mg/day), Alpha-Lipoic Acid (600 mg/day) and Evening Primrose Oil (800 mg/day).

I have never used Prednisone because of the multiple side effects. Also, I am going to add myo-fascia massage to my regime."