Polymyositis treatment
Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.
Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Polymyositis treatment
Recommended health tests for Polymyositis
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
How it works
Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.
Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.
Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.
Learn about Polymyositis
Polymyositis is a rare, inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness affecting both sides of your body. Characterized by the chronic inflammation of muscles, it predominantly impacts the muscles closest to the trunk or torso, leading to severe weakness and loss of strength. Polymyositis is part of a larger group of diseases called inflammatory myopathies. Its prevalence is relatively uncommon, affecting more adults than children, and is more likely to impact women than men. Interest in natural and functional medicine approaches to treating polymyositis has grown, as these methods focus on treating the body as a whole and addressing the root cause of symptoms.
Causes
The exact cause of polymyositis remains unknown, though it is classified as an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. In the case of polymyositis, this attack is directed toward muscle cells. Factors that might trigger this autoimmune response include viral infections, genetics, and environmental exposures. Despite the unknown precise cause, understanding these potential triggers helps inform natural treatment strategies focusing on immune system regulation and health.
Signs and symptoms
Polymyositis can develop gradually over weeks or months and its symptoms may vary in severity, including: - Muscle weakness, particularly in the shoulders, hips, thighs, and neck - Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) - Muscle pain or tenderness - Fatigue after walking or standing - Trouble climbing stairs or lifting arms - Falling or difficulty getting up from a seating or lying position - Mild joint or muscle soreness
Diagnosing Polymyositis
Diagnosing polymyositis often involves a comprehensive evaluation, including medical history review and physical examination. Diagnostic tests may include blood tests for elevated enzymes indicating muscle inflammation, electromyography (EMG) for assessing electrical activity in muscles during contraction and at rest, MRI scans to detect inflammation, and muscle biopsy for definitive diagnosis by examining a small sample of muscle tissue under a microscope. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly affect the management of polymyositis.
Prevention and natural treatment
There is no known way to prevent polymyositis, but its impact can be managed and potentially reduced through a combination of lifestyle modifications and treatments. Treatment in the realm of functional medicine often focuses on dietary changes, like anti-inflammatory diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and foods that support gut health. Supplements such as vitamin D, vitamin E, and selenium may also support muscle health and immune function. Physical therapy is crucial for maintaining muscle strength and flexibility. Incorporating gentle exercise regimens with a focus on stretching and strengthening can also be beneficial. Prevention, from a functional medicine perspective, involves maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle to support immune system health. This includes regular exercise, stress management techniques like meditation or yoga, and avoiding exposure to environmental toxins. Natural treatment strategies for polymyositis emphasize a holistic approach, aiming to mitigate symptoms and improve quality of life through supporting the body’s natural healing processes and immune regulation. Consultation with healthcare professionals experienced in both conventional and functional medicine can provide personalized treatment plans that integrate the best of both worlds.
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