When is physiotherapy recommended for ankylosing spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the spine and sometimes other joints. Pain and stiffness can alter posture, walking, sleep, and tolerance for sitting or standing. A physiotherapist assesses spinal and hip movement, posture, breathing expansion, muscle strength, and the activities that matter to you.

A programme may combine mobility exercises, posture practice, strengthening, breathing work, and advice about pacing. It should complement, not replace, the medical treatment plan for inflammation and other symptoms.

Ask for an assessment when morning stiffness, back pain, reduced flexibility, or fatigue begins to limit work, exercise, sleep, or self-care. Practise the agreed movements regularly and gently, adapting them during a flare with professional guidance. Avoid forcing a stiff or painful joint through an aggressive range.

Share changes in symptoms, new joint problems, and difficulties with home exercises. A therapist can adjust positions, frequency, and strengthening to your current function.

Contact your medical team promptly for a marked change in pain or stiffness, a swollen painful joint, or symptoms that are not settling with your usual plan. Seek urgent care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness or weakness in both legs, or severe back pain after trauma.

Ask which exercises are appropriate during a flare, how to protect posture at work and during sleep, how to monitor progress, and when changes in symptoms should prompt a medical review.