Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine, causing chronic pain and stiffness that’s often at its worst first thing in the morning or after long periods of rest. Over time it can affect posture and make everyday movements like turning to check your blind spot or bending to tie your shoes noticeably harder.
Ankylosing spondylitis develops when inflammation targets the joints and ligaments of the spine, particularly where the spine meets the pelvis at the sacroiliac joints. It’s linked to a gene called HLA-B27, though not everyone with the gene goes on to develop the condition. Left unmanaged, the ongoing inflammation can eventually cause new bone to form between vertebrae, reducing spinal flexibility.
Our Treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Staying active is one of the most important things you can do with ankylosing spondylitis, and physiotherapy is central to that. At your assessment, we’ll look at your current spinal mobility, posture and breathing, since the condition can affect chest expansion too, and build a programme of stretching and strengthening exercises to maintain movement in the spine. Massage therapy and postural work, part of our wider treatment for joint pain and stiffness, can help manage stiffness day to day, and we’ll teach you exercises you can keep up at home to stay on top of symptoms between appointments. Regular movement, rather than rest, tends to keep flare-ups shorter and less frequent.
Because ankylosing spondylitis is a lifelong condition, we focus on building a routine that fits around your life rather than a short, fixed course of treatment.
Why Choose True Physio?
Expert Physiotherapy Team
All of our Physiotherapists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which means that they fulfil the highest standards of practice required by law. They are also a part of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), demonstrating our commitment to delivering outstanding expertise.
Initial Assessment
At your initial assessment at True Physio, we will find out where your pain comes from and what your goal is before forming a plan to help you achieve that. Our clinicians will take the time to understand your condition, do a detailed assessment, and explain to you the nature of the problem you have. Treatment plans are created with your lifestyle in mind.
Book your appointment now or contact your nearest True Physio clinic to discuss how we can help you keep your spine moving.
