Does physiotherapy treat ankylosing spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition that can cause back or joint pain and stiffness. A physiotherapist considers your spinal movement, posture, hip flexibility, muscle strength and breathing pattern. A programme may include spinal mobility, chest expansion, posture practice, strengthening and aerobic activity adapted to your symptoms. Regular, manageable movement can support function during periods of stiffness, while medication and rheumatology care address the underlying inflammation.

Share your pain pattern, fatigue, sleep disruption and flare triggers with the physiotherapist. Begin with movements that are comfortable and repeat them consistently rather than forcing a large session during a flare. Break up long periods of sitting, use positions that support your spine, and ask for adaptations if an exercise increases symptoms. Keep the rehabilitation plan coordinated with your rheumatology treatment.

Contact your medical team promptly for a new flare that is difficult to control, rapidly worsening spinal pain, or a major change in mobility. Seek urgent care after significant trauma, or for new leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin. These symptoms need medical assessment rather than an exercise adjustment alone.

Ask how to adapt exercise during a flare, which posture or breathing exercises suit your spine, and how to balance activity with fatigue. Clarify when pain suggests inflammation needing review, and how your physiotherapist and rheumatology team will share your progress.