Effective Physiotherapy Approaches for Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis

Hello, I’m Mattias McAndrew, head physiotherapist at M Physio in Spring Hill, Brisbane.

With over 8 years of physiotherapy experience and an additional 10 years in exercise prescription, I’ve dedicated my career to managing complex conditions like ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Graduating with honours from the University of Queensland has provided a solid foundation to help my patients lead more active, pain-free lives.

Here’s what the latest research says about physiotherapy in managing AS.

Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

AS is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the spine and other joints, leading to stiffness, pain, and a potential reduction in mobility.

Globally, AS affects between 0.1% and 1.4% of the population and is more common in men than women. If untreated, AS can cause fusion of the spinal vertebrae (or “bamboo spine”), significantly reducing quality of life (Nava et al., 2019).

Why Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is highly recommended for AS as it helps patients maintain mobility, manage pain, and prevent or slow down spinal fusion.

Research shows that supervised physiotherapy can be more effective than home exercise alone, as it helps with adherence and technique, leading to better outcomes overall (Gravaldi et al., 2022).

Evidence also supports a multidisciplinary approach combining physiotherapy with patient education for sustained improvements (Nava et al., 2019).

Proven Physiotherapy Techniques for AS

1. Supervised Exercise Programs
   Supervised sessions are associated with more significant reductions in pain and improvements in flexibility compared to unsupervised home programs. When physiotherapists provide regular supervision, patients tend to have better outcomes, including reduced disease activity (Gravaldi et al., 2022).
2. Hydrotherapy
   Studies suggest that group-based hydrotherapy, or water exercise, can be especially beneficial. Hydrotherapy reduces joint impact while enhancing mobility and flexibility, which is essential for AS patients managing spinal stiffness (van der Linden et al.).
3. Daily Stretching and Flexibility Exercises
   Consistent stretching exercises focusing on the lower back, hamstrings, and thoracic spine improve flexibility and reduce the likelihood of stiffness. Nava et al. (2019) highlight that early physiotherapy intervention can reduce the progression of AS and prevent further complications.
4. Postural Training
   Maintaining an upright posture is challenging for AS patients, especially as spinal changes progress. Postural exercises can help prevent the development of kyphosis (forward rounding of the back), improving both function and quality of life.

How You Can Take Action

If you’re experiencing AS symptoms or want to manage your existing condition more effectively, here are some steps you can take:

• Commit to Regular Exercise: Start with gentle stretching and work up to supervised sessions if possible.
• Explore Hydrotherapy: Consider joining a hydrotherapy group class, especially if you struggle with high-impact exercises.
• Seek Professional Guidance: At M Physio, we offer assessments and personalised programs to help you manage AS effectively. Book a consultation to get started with a tailored treatment plan.

Incorporating physiotherapy into your routine can help you better manage AS, maintain mobility, and improve your overall well-being.

For personalised advice and support, feel free to reach out to us at M Physio in Spring Hill.