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Physiotherapy · Polymyalgia rheumatica · Private clinic in East London

Private polymyalgia rheumatica clinic in London, same-day physiotherapy.

Polymyalgia rheumatica causes severe pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck and hips, at its worst in the morning. It occurs almost exclusively over 50, it responds to low-dose steroids within days, and it is closely linked to giant cell arteritis — which can cause sudden permanent blindness. Our private physiotherapy clinic in East London offers same-day polymyalgia rheumatica assessment with a private physiotherapist, diagnosis and a clear treatment plan — usually without a referral and often the same day.

Book a private appointment Call 020 7916 0029
Same-day
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Specialist-led
private care
No referral
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The condition

What is polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica causes severe pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck and hips, at its worst in the morning. It occurs almost exclusively over 50, it responds to low-dose steroids within days, and it is closely linked to giant cell arteritis — which can cause sudden permanent blindness.

  • What polymyalgia rheumatica is
  • Symptoms to look for
  • Causes & risk factors
  • Tests & diagnosis
  • Treatment options
  • When to see a specialist

Understanding polymyalgia rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica: symptoms, causes, tests & treatment

Seek same-day assessment if you develop

  • a new headache, particularly one-sided around the temple
  • scalp tenderness — pain combing your hair or on the pillow
  • jaw ache or tiredness when chewing
  • any change in vision, blurring, double vision or a curtain across your sight
  • sudden worsening despite steroid treatment
  • fever, night sweats or weight loss that is progressing

These are the symptoms of giant cell arteritis, which occurs in a proportion of people with PMR and is a medical emergency — sight lost is not recovered. Treatment is started immediately on suspicion, before any test results. Sudden visual loss requires immediate emergency eye assessment.

The picture

  • Pain and stiffness in the shoulders, upper arms, neck, hips and thighs, usually on both sides
  • Morning stiffness lasting more than 45 minutes — often hours
  • difficulty getting out of bed, turning over, raising the arms to wash or dress hair, or rising from a chair
  • often comes on over days to a couple of weeks, which people describe vividly
  • fatigue, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, weight loss and low mood
  • almost never under 50, and commonest over 70

It is stiffness, not weakness

People with PMR often say they feel weak, but formal muscle power is normal — the difficulty is pain and stiffness limiting movement. Genuine muscle weakness points elsewhere, particularly to inflammatory muscle disease or a thyroid problem, and warrants different tests. This distinction is one of the more useful ones an examination provides.

Diagnosis

There is no specific test. Diagnosis rests on the clinical picture in someone over 50, usually with raised inflammatory markers (CRP and ESR) — though a small proportion have normal markers. Before starting steroids, blood tests should exclude the conditions that mimic PMR: an underactive thyroid, myeloma, inflammatory arthritis, infection and cancer. A dramatic response to steroids within a few days supports the diagnosis, and a poor response should prompt reconsideration rather than a higher dose.

Treatment

Daysto a dramatic response
1–2 yearstypical duration of treatment
Slowlyhow the dose must come down
  • Low-dose prednisolone, typically 15mg daily to start. Improvement is usually striking within two to five days.
  • Reduce gradually, over many months, according to symptoms and inflammatory markers. Reducing too fast is the commonest cause of relapse.
  • Never stop steroids suddenly. Carry a steroid card, and if you become unwell or need surgery, tell the clinician — you may need a higher dose temporarily.
  • Bone protection from the outset: calcium, vitamin D, and usually a bisphosphonate, with a DEXA scan.
  • Monitoring for steroid side effects: blood pressure, glucose, weight, mood, cataracts and glaucoma.
  • Methotrexate may be added where the dose cannot be reduced or relapses keep occurring.

Living with it

Do

  • Keep moving — gentle daily activity reduces stiffness and protects muscle
  • Take steroids in the morning to reduce sleep disturbance
  • Weight-bearing exercise and strength work, to offset steroid bone loss
  • Watch weight, since steroids increase appetite
  • Know the giant cell arteritis symptoms and act on them the same day

Avoid

  • Reducing the dose faster than advised because you feel well
  • Stopping abruptly for any reason
  • Assuming every ache is a relapse — some is steroid withdrawal
  • Skipping bone protection
  • Ignoring new headache or visual symptoms

Physiotherapy services we offer

Expert care under one roof

From same-day GP assessment to specialist care, scans and tests — with a clear plan the same visit.

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Seen today, in three easy steps

1

Book in a minute

Book online any time or call reception — no GP referral needed for most appointments.

2

Seen quickly

A GMC-registered clinician assesses you, with tests and scans arranged in-house where possible.

3

Diagnosis & plan

You leave with a clear diagnosis, treatment, and any specialist care or scan arranged.

Book same-day appointment Call 020 7916 0029

Private assessment

See a private physiotherapist for polymyalgia rheumatica in London

At our private physiotherapy clinic on Whitechapel Road in East London, you can see a private physiotherapist or polymyalgia rheumatica doctor without a referral — most days, often the same day. A private GP in East London or consultant physiotherapist will assess you, arrange the right tests and explain your diagnosis and treatment options clearly. We help patients across East London, Canary Wharf, the City, Docklands and Aldgate who want fast, private answers about polymyalgia rheumatica.

Book a private polymyalgia rheumatica assessment

Local, private, fast

A private physiotherapy clinic for East London & Canary Wharf

Tower Bridge Hospital is on Whitechapel Road in the heart of East London — minutes from Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands and Aldgate. Patients across Tower Hamlets, Wapping, Limehouse and Bethnal Green choose us for a fast, private polymyalgia rheumatica appointment with a physiotherapist, without the wait or the referral.

Why choose us

Why choose our East London private physiotherapy clinic

  • Same-day, no referral — private GP and physiotherapy under one roof
  • Specialist-led care with GMC-registered clinicians
  • Tests & scans on site, results explained the same visit
  • Minutes from Canary Wharf & the City of London
  • A named clinician who explains your results clearly
  • Transparent pricing and a plan you can act on

Ready when you are

See a private physiotherapist for polymyalgia rheumatica — the same day.

Book a private polymyalgia rheumatica assessment in East London: same-day appointments, physiotherapist-led care and a clear plan. No referral needed.

Book same-day appointment 020 7916 0029

Common questions

Polymyalgia rheumatica in London: your questions answered

Where can I find a private polymyalgia rheumatica specialist near me in East London?

Our private physiotherapy clinic is on Whitechapel Road in East London, minutes from Canary Wharf and the City. You can see a private physiotherapist or polymyalgia rheumatica doctor for assessment and treatment, usually the same day and without a referral.

Can I see a private physiotherapist for polymyalgia rheumatica the same day?

Yes. We hold same-day private appointments most days, including Saturdays, so you can be assessed by a physiotherapist or GP quickly, with tests done in-house where possible.

How much does a private polymyalgia rheumatica appointment cost in London?

We keep pricing transparent — see our fees page or call 020 7916 0029, and we will explain the cost of the polymyalgia rheumatica assessment and any tests before you book.

Do I need a referral to see a private physiotherapist for polymyalgia rheumatica?

No. You can book directly with our clinic. If you are unsure whether to start with a private GP or a physiotherapist, we will guide you.

Which areas do you serve for private polymyalgia rheumatica care?

We see private patients from across East London, Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands, Aldgate, Wapping, Limehouse and Tower Hamlets.

Medically reviewed by Dr Haydar Bolat — Clinical Director, GMC 7138332. Last reviewed August 2026 · next review August 2027. Written in line with our editorial & content-review policy, using guidance from the NHS, NICE and the relevant royal colleges. This information is general and does not replace personal medical advice.

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Related services & information

Physiotherapy
Specialist-led

Physiotherapy

Expert hands-on physio.

Orthopaedics
Consultant

Orthopaedics

Bone & joint specialists.

MSK Clinic
Assessment

MSK Clinic

Muscle, joint & nerve care.

Joint Injections
Treatment

Joint Injections

Ultrasound-guided injections.

Insurance accepted
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In an emergency, call 999. Tower Bridge Hospital London is not an emergency service. Your nearest A&E is The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Road E1 1FR — 5 minutes’ walk from our front door.

Areas we serve

Private polymyalgia rheumatica care in London & East London — Whitechapel, the City & Canary Wharf

Patients visit our Whitechapel clinic for private polymyalgia rheumatica assessment and treatment from right across London and East London, the City and the Docklands — including Aldgate, Bethnal Green, Bow, Shoreditch, Canary Wharf, Stratford, Bermondsey and the surrounding areas. Same-day and walk-in appointments are available and you do not need a GP referral.

Easy to reach — minutes from the Royal London Hospital and Aldgate East, Whitechapel, Aldgate and Liverpool Street stations, and one stop from Canary Wharf on the Elizabeth line.

Private polymyalgia rheumatica treatment near me? If you are searching for private polymyalgia rheumatica treatment near me, a polymyalgia rheumatica doctor or specialist near me, or a private clinic near me in East London, our Whitechapel practice is on your doorstep — walk-in and same-day appointments, no GP referral, and no long NHS waiting list.

Book a same-day appointment or call 020 7916 0029. See our transparent fees. Open 7 days a week, 9am–7pm. Private clinic on Whitechapel Road, London E1 — serving Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham, Islington, the City of London and Southwark.

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