Physiotherapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Managing Back Stiffness

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine, causing pain, stiffness, and restricted mobility. Over time, AS can lead to the fusion of vertebrae, making it difficult to move freely and perform daily activities. Managing the symptoms of AS, particularly back stiffness, is crucial to maintaining quality of life. Physiotherapy at Next Step Physiotherapy Edmonton offers effective strategies to help individuals with AS manage their condition, reduce pain, and improve mobility.




What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?


Ankylosing Spondylitis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the joints in the spine and, in some cases, other areas like the hips, shoulders, and knees. The inflammation can cause the bones of the spine to fuse, leading to reduced flexibility and mobility. Back stiffness is one of the hallmark symptoms of AS, especially in the lower back and hips. 


How Physiotherapy Helps Manage Back Stiffness in AS

Physiotherapy plays a critical role in the management of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Through a personalized treatment plan, physiotherapists can help relieve stiffness, improve mobility, and prevent further complications.


Stretching and Flexibility Exercises

Regular stretching is one of the most effective ways to combat the stiffness associated with AS. Stretching exercises target the muscles in the back, hips, and shoulders to improve flexibility and reduce pain. Physiotherapists guide patients through safe and effective stretching routines that help:


  • Increase range of motion in the spine.

  • Reduce muscle tightness.

  • Maintain posture and prevent further spinal curvature.


Daily stretching, especially in the morning, can help loosen up stiff muscles and joints, allowing for greater mobility throughout the day.


Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening exercises are essential for stabilizing the spine and improving overall posture. Strong core muscles, including the muscles of the abdomen and back, can help support the spine and reduce the strain on inflamed joints. A physiotherapist at Next Step Physiotherapy can create a customized exercise plan to strengthen key muscle groups while avoiding exercises that could exacerbate pain or stiffness.


Strengthening exercises may include:


  • Core stabilization routines.

  • Resistance training with bands or light weights.

  • Specific exercises for hip and shoulder muscles to support spinal alignment.


Postural Training

Ankylosing Spondylitis can cause individuals to adopt a forward-bending posture due to spinal stiffness and discomfort. Over time, this posture can worsen, making it harder to stand or sit upright. Postural training focuses on correcting posture by teaching patients how to sit, stand, and move in ways that reduce strain on the spine. Physiotherapists will guide patients through postural correction exercises that help maintain the natural curvature of the spine, thereby preventing or minimizing deformity.


Breathing Exercises

As AS progresses, it can affect the rib cage, making it difficult to take deep breaths. Breathing exercises help improve lung capacity and maintain chest mobility. These exercises are crucial for preventing lung complications and promoting overall health in individuals with AS. Physiotherapists can teach deep breathing techniques that stretch the chest muscles and ribs, enhancing lung function.


Hydrotherapy and Low-Impact Exercise

Hydrotherapy, or exercising in water, is a gentle and effective way to manage stiffness and pain. The buoyancy of water reduces the pressure on the spine and joints, allowing for a greater range of motion without discomfort. Additionally, low-impact exercises like swimming or walking are beneficial for maintaining cardiovascular health and promoting flexibility without putting excessive stress on the spine.


The Benefits of Physiotherapy for AS

Physiotherapy offers numerous benefits for individuals with Ankylosing Spondylitis, including:


Pain Relief: Targeted exercises and manual therapy help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.


Improved Mobility: Physiotherapy restores movement in stiff joints, allowing individuals to perform daily activities more easily.


Postural Support: Correcting posture through physiotherapy reduces the risk of spinal deformity and maintains a healthy spinal alignment.


Prevention of Complications: Regular physiotherapy can help prevent or slow the progression of spinal fusion, improving long-term outcomes for patients with AS.


Conclusion


Physiotherapy is a cornerstone of treatment for managing back stiffness and other symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis. At Next Step Physiotherapy in Edmonton, our experienced physiotherapists design individualized treatment plans that address the unique challenges of AS, helping patients achieve better mobility, reduce pain, and enhance their quality of life. If you're living with AS, physiotherapy can provide the support and strategies you need to stay active and manage your symptoms effectively. Contact us today to start your journey toward better spine health.



#physiotherapyedmonton #edmontonphysiotherapy #empoweryourhealth #physiotherapyworks #physiotherapynearme #physiotherapy #physicaltherapyedmonton #physicaltherapynearme #physicaltherapy #nextstepphysiotherapyedmonton #physiotherapistedmonton #physicaltherapist #physiotherapyclinic #physioclinicedmonton 
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Near me physical therapy: working with insurance

Image
  When searching for "physical therapy near me," one of the biggest concerns is whether insurance covers the treatment. At Next Step Physiotherapy Edmonton , we strive to make physiotherapy accessible by working with various insurance providers to help you get the care you need without financial stress. Understanding Insurance Coverage for Physiotherapy Many insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for physiotherapy, but the specifics depend on your policy. Some plans cover a set number of sessions, while others may have an annual spending limit. Understanding how your insurance works can help you maximize your benefits. ✅ Direct Billing for Convenience At Next Step Physiotherapy, we offer direct billing for many major insurance providers. This means we handle the claims process for you, so you don’t have to worry about upfront payments and reimbursement paperwork. ✅ Extended Health Benefits (EHBs) If you have health benefits through your employer, your plan may include...
Read more

What Differentiates Edmonton's Shockwave Therapy from Traditional Treatments?

Image
In the realm of physiotherapy, shockwave therapy has emerged as a revolutionary treatment modality for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. In Edmonton, Next Step Physiotherapy is at the forefront of integrating shockwave therapy into its comprehensive treatment offerings, providing patients with an innovative approach to healing and rehabilitation. In this article, we delve into the key differentiators of shockwave therapy in Edmonton compared to traditional treatments, highlighting the unique benefits and outcomes that patients can expect from Next Step Physiotherapy's specialized approach. Precision and Targeted Treatment: One of the primary differentiators of shockwave therapy at Next Step Physiotherapy is its precision and targeted approach to treatment. Unlike traditional therapies that may provide general relief or focus on symptom management, shockwave therapy delivers acoustic waves directly to the site of injury or dysfunction. This targeted approach allows for pr...
Read more

Knee Pain Solutions: How Physiotherapy Can Help You Move Freely

Image
  Knee pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages, whether due to sports injuries, arthritis, overuse, or post-surgical recovery. At Next Step Physiotherapy Edmonton , we understand how frustrating it can be when knee pain limits your ability to move, exercise, or enjoy everyday life. The good news? Physiotherapy offers effective, non-invasive solutions to manage knee pain and help you regain mobility. Common Causes of Knee Pain Before treatment begins, it's essential to identify the root cause of your knee pain. At Next Step Physiotherapy, we often see patients dealing with: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee) Osteoarthritis Ligament injuries (ACL, MCL tears) Meniscus tears Tendinitis or bursitis Post-surgical rehabilitation Our therapists perform a thorough assessment to pinpoint the exact cause of your discomfort and build a personalized treatment plan around it. How Physiotherapy Helps Pain Relief Without Medication Physiotherapy uses a variety of techn...
Read more