What is polymyositis?

Polymyositis is an inflammatory muscle disease that causes muscle weakness, usually developing over days, weeks or months. It most often affects the proximal muscles, meaning the muscles around the shoulders, upper arms, hips and thighs. This can make everyday tasks harder, such as standing up from a chair, climbing stairs, lifting objects or raising the arms.

Common symptoms may include:

• muscle weakness

• difficulty climbing stairs

• trouble getting up from a chair or the floor

• difficulty lifting or carrying things

• fatigue

• muscle pain in some people

• swallowing difficulties in some cases

• breathing problems in some people.
  
  

How polymyositis may affect daily function

Polymyositis affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• walking and mobility

• strength and endurance

• getting up from the floor or a chair

• stairs and transfers

• lifting, carrying or reaching

• fatigue and reduced activity tolerance

• self-care and daily routines

• swallowing in some people

Because polymyositis can involve progressive weakness and fatigue, it may affect work, exercise, home tasks and participation in everyday life. Physiotherapy and exercise are commonly included in management plans to help support strength and activity

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support people with polymyositis where there are goals related to strength, mobility, endurance, transfers, balance or physical participation. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• gentle strength and mobility support

• movement and transfer practice

• fatigue-aware activity planning

• stretching and physical activity guidance

• support for walking, stairs and everyday movement

• graded rehabilitation based on current function

Exercise and physical therapy are considered important parts of standard myositis treatment plans, with evidence showing benefits for stamina, strength and fatigue when programs are tailored appropriately.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when polymyositis is affecting daily living, self-care, routines, fatigue management, school or work participation, or independence. OT may include:

• practical fatigue management strategies

• support for everyday routines and self-care

• task adaptation and energy conservation

• equipment or assistive strategies where appropriate
  
  

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is not required for everyone with polymyositis, but it may be relevant where a person has associated feeding or swallowing difficulties. Trouble swallowing is a recognised symptom in some people with polymyositis and may affect mealtime safety and comfort.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some people with polymyositis who need support with conditioning, endurance, general physical activity or structured exercise. Programs should always be tailored carefully to the person’s fatigue levels, muscle weakness, medical management and safety needs.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how polymyositis is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help. Therapy may focus on:

improving strength and movement confidence

supporting walking and everyday mobility

managing fatigue more effectively

supporting self-care and daily routines

helping the person participate more comfortably at home, work or in the community

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s GP, rheumatologist, specialist team and broader supports where appropriate.

FAQ

What is polymyositis?

Polymyositis is an inflammatory muscle disease that causes muscle weakness, especially in muscles closer to the trunk such as the shoulders, hips and thighs.

What are the symptoms of polymyositis?

Symptoms can include muscle weakness, fatigue, difficulty climbing stairs, trouble getting up from a chair, muscle pain in some people, and sometimes swallowing or breathing difficulties.

Can polymyositis affect walking and strength?

Yes. Polymyositis commonly affects the muscles of the hips and thighs, which can make walking, standing, climbing stairs and general movement more difficult.

Can physiotherapy help with polymyositis?

Physiotherapy may help support strength, mobility, endurance, transfers and physical participation for people living with polymyositis. Exercise and physical therapy are considered important parts of myositis management when tailored to the person’s condition.

Can occupational therapy help with polymyositis?

Yes. Occupational therapy may assist with daily living, fatigue management, routines, work participation and independence in everyday activities.

Can polymyositis affect swallowing?

It can. Some people with polymyositis experience swallowing difficulties, which may make speech pathology input relevant.

Can exercise help with polymyositis?

For some people, yes. Exercise is considered an important part of management in polymyositis, but programs should be carefully tailored to the person’s presentation, fatigue levels and medical advice.

Is polymyositis the same as dermatomyositis?

No. They are related inflammatory muscle diseases, but dermatomyositis also involves characteristic skin changes, while polymyositis does not.

Can allied health treat polymyositis itself?

No. Polymyositis requires medical diagnosis and treatment. Allied health does not treat the underlying inflammatory condition itself, but may support strength, function, fatigue management and day-to-day quality of life.

If you or your family member is living with polymyositis and would like support with strength, mobility, fatigue, daily function or participation, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs. 

External Resources for Polymyositis

Myositis Australia

Arthritis Australia – Polymyositis

Autoimmune Resource and Research Centre (Australia)

Muscular Dystrophy Australia

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.