Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis Support Group

Polymyositis (PM) is a type of chronic inflammation of the muscles (inflammatory myopathy) related to dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis. The inflammation is predominantly of the endomysium in polymyositis, whereas dermatomyositis is characterized by primarily perimysial inflammation.

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freelee 02/07/2011

Any one had relief from massage and what type of massage? my legs especially thighs are so tight and stiff and feel like rocks even when I wake up in morning. Has anyone tried massage?

deleted_user 02/07/2011

Hi - I'm getting a massage next week and will let you know. Not sure if it's better for you or makes it worse (like weight exercising, etc...), wondering what other comments will be. Hope it helps for you.

lovelink 02/07/2011

i've been getting massages and they help some, but you MUST drink lost of water and move afterwards because i'm sure that the toxins cause more pain if they are not pushed out of the body quickly. movement could be walking or stretching. drink lots.

nanny1611 02/07/2011

Internet research told me that massage was good for PM, but not deep tissue massage. Don't know if that's still the latest thinking. Anyway, If I got massages on a regular basis (every 3 weeks), I found it to be quite helpful (but costly). However, as lovelink said, you must drinks lots of water and do some sort of exercise to get rid of the toxins released during the massage. If you don't, I think the toxins keep circulating in your system. Give it a try to see if it works for you. At the very least, it's quite relaxing and soothing.

lexisgirl 02/08/2011

I've always loved massage even before PM. I've had a few with PM and have found it a little uncomfortable....especially if they use any pressure at all. And oh the discomfort after. I agree 100% that you need to drink lots of water and stretch. I was used to walking out feeling wonderful but now with PM, I walk out and want to go to bed.

deleted_user 02/08/2011

It hurts at frist but then is starts to feel good hugs minnie

deleted_user 02/10/2011

i've only had a professional massage done twice. my work hired someone to come in and we got to take our 15 min break in a conference room to get a massage.

not sure if it's just because it was at work but i was in SOOOO MUCH PAIN. it didn't hurt at all during the massage; it felt wonderful but about 6 hours later it was like all my muscles were cramping up. i hurt for almost 3 full days and it was like no other kind of pain otherwise massage is the absolute BEST.

my poor husband i beg him evernight to massage my legs and shoulders, but he's a giant sweetheart and is always willing to help me out.

i would just make sure if you go in that you talk to them about the types of massage and tell them to go easy on you

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