Ankylosing Spondylitis

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Physiotherapy Support for AS.

Resources for AS.

How do you say that?

"ankey-low-zing spon-dee-li-tus"

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a form of arthritis that normally affects the back. It causes inflammation in the back, affecting the rib cage, shoulder, knees and neck. Normally people are diagnosed with it before the age of 45 years. Men are more commonly diagnosed however women may be undiagnosed for a longer period of time.

It is a painful, progressive form of inflammatory arthritis. You need a throughout examination by a General Practitioner and further investigation. This blog is for advice only.

How can a Physiotherapist help with AS?

Providing education is key, understanding what it occurring, why it is and the next stage to begin managing it.

Keeping active by reducing the impact of the disease

Maintaining mobility

Maintaining and improving strength of your body

Helping you continue with good posture

through exercise based therapy

Reducing pain and fatigue

Aerobic exercise and mobility is recommended for one who has AS. It will help maintain mobility, cardiovascular and strength. Completing deep breathing, spinal extension, strengthening, stretching, mobility will help maintain and begin to reduce the impact of the disease to improve the quality of life.