Ankylosing spondylitis physical therapy

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Abhishek Singh, B.P.T [2]

Overview

Ankylosing Spondylitis Ankylosing spondylitis (AS, from Greek ankylos, stiff; spondylos, vertebrae), previously known as Bekhterev's disease, Bekhterev syndrome, and Marie-Strümpell disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the axial skeleton with variable involvement of peripheral joints and nonarticular structures. AS is a form of spondyloarthritis, a chronic, inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disease.

It mainly affects joints in the spine and the sacroiliac joint in the pelvis, and can cause eventual fusion of the spine.

It is a member of the group of the spondyloarthropathies with a strong genetic predisposition. Complete fusion results in a complete rigidity of the spine, a condition known as "bamboo spine".

Physical therapy

Aims Of Physiotherapy Management

To minimise deformity & disability & to improve well-being,by maintaining normal function & improving person's quality of life.The aims can be achieved by:

• Postural awareness/correction & ergonomics advice.

• Pain Reduction.

• Improving & maintaining cardiovascular fitness.

• Regular assessment & monitoring of posture & mobility.

• Designing a suitable home program of specific exercises & regularly monitoring all exercises.

• Giving knowledge about disease & its management.

• Maintaining & improving posture,mobility & function by increasing mobility of costovertebral,spinal & peripheral joints,stretching of tight muscle groups/bulk & strengthening of anti gravity muscles.

Posture