SPIN PMR

This study aimed to describe and explain current UK physiotherapy practice used in the assessment and management of PMR. 

Polymyalgia Rheumatica or 'PMR' is an inflammatory condition where the patient usually experiences pain or stiffness, usually in the neck, shoulder, upper arms, and hips, but may also occur all over the body. The pain can be very sudden or can occur gradually over a period of time. Categorised as an autoimmune illness, it can often be confused with other conditions, it can often be passed off as the 'aches and pains of getting old'. 

Study Design

Part 1) The Survey of Physiotherapists INtervention in PMR (SPIN-PMR) study is a cross-sectional survey of musculoskeletal physiotherapists evaluating current UK physiotherapy practice with PMR (Polymyalgia Rheumatica) patients. 

Part 2) The Physiotherapy in PMR (PiP) qualitative component has been undertaken using semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of SPIN PMR respondents. 

Study objectives

The study aims to describe and explain current UK physiotherapy practice used in the assessment and management of patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR). Data was collected via a postal questionnaire and an online survey. 

Recruitment for the study closed on December 31st 2015, and subsequent interviews have been conducted during 2017 with physiotherapists working in different employment settings. 

The questionnaire and interview data is now being analysed as part of a mixed method overarching study.