If you are one of the many people who suffer from ankylosing spondylitis, you know how debilitating the condition can be. Not only is it painful, but it can also make everyday activities very difficult. If you are looking for relief, physical therapy may be the answer for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of ankylosing spondylitis physical therapy and how it can help improve your quality of life.
Contents
What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that affects the spine. This is simply a case where the bones in your spine slowly fuse together over time. AS can also cause inflammation of the joints between the spine and pelvis, as well as other areas such as the ribs, hips, and shoulders.
The symptoms of AS may be mild at first, but they can worsen over time. Some common signs might include:
- pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips
- fatigue
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- fever
In most cases, AS is a chronic condition that can last for years, or even a lifetime. However, there are treatments available that can help to ease the symptoms and improve the quality of life. One such treatment is physical therapy (PT). Therefore, if you have AS, it’s important to speak to your doctor about the possibility of PT.
How Often Should You Choose Ankylosing Spondylitis Physical Therapy?
Choosing the right time to see a physical therapist is essential for people with ankylosing spondylitis. Some people may only need to see a physical therapist once or twice, while others may need to see one more frequently. The goal is to work with your physical therapist to create a treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.
There are several factors that can affect how often you need to see a physical therapist. These include:
- The severity of your symptoms
- How well you are responding to treatment
- Your overall health
Your physical therapist will work with you to create a schedule that meets your needs. It is important to know that you may need to see a physical therapist more often at the start of treatment. As your symptoms improve, you may be able to decrease the frequency of visits.
How Does Physical Therapy Work For Ankylosing Spondylitis?
The goal of physical therapy is to help reduce pain and restore function. A physical therapist will develop a treatment plan specifically for you, based on the severity of your symptoms. The type of exercises prescribed will depend on the stage of the disease.
In the early stages, when inflammation is present, the focus is on reducing pain and stiffness. Physical therapy exercises may be passive, meaning the therapist moves your joints for you. As the disease progresses and fusion begins, the focus shifts to maintaining the range of motion and preventing deformity.
The process of physical therapy working is as follows:
- Ankylosing spondylitis physical therapy begins with an evaluation.
- A physical therapist will ask about your medical history and symptoms and then perform a physical examination.
- Based on the findings, the therapist will develop a treatment plan that may include exercises, stretches, heat or cold therapy, and electrical stimulation.
- The therapist will teach you how to do the exercises at home and may also suggest lifestyle changes to help manage your symptoms.
So, you can see that physical therapy can be quite helpful in managing the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. If you are suffering from this condition, talk to your doctor about whether physical therapy may be right for you.
What Are The Benefits Of Physical Therapy?
There are many benefits of ankylosing spondylitis physical therapy. Some of these include:
- Improving your range of motion and flexibility: It is common for people with ankylosing spondylitis to experience stiffness and reduced range of motion in their spine. Physical therapy can help improve your flexibility and range of motion, so you can move more easily and without pain.
- Reducing inflammation: Inflammation is a common symptom of ankylosing spondylitis. Physical therapy can help reduce inflammation by promoting blood flow and reducing joint stiffness.
- Strengthening your muscles: Strong muscles are important for supporting your spine and helping you move more easily. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around your spine, which can improve your pain and overall mobility.
- Improving your posture: Poor posture is a common problem for people with ankylosing spondylitis. Physical therapy can help improve your posture by teaching you how to correctly align your spine and strengthen the muscles that support it.
- Reducing your pain: One of the main goals of physical therapy is to reduce your pain. By improving your flexibility, range of motion, and muscle strength, physical therapy can help you find relief from your pain.
- Improving the quality of life: Finally, physical therapy can help improve your quality of life. Ankylosing spondylitis can be a debilitating condition, but physical therapy can help you regain your independence and improve your overall well-being.
These benefits can help you manage your ankylosing spondylitis and improve your quality of life. If you are considering physical therapy, be sure to talk to your doctor to see if it is right for you. With the right treatment, you can find relief from your pain and live a fuller life.
Which Therapy Is Most Effective?
When it comes to ankylosing spondylitis, physical therapy can be a very effective form of treatment. The main goal of physical therapy is to help lessen pain and inflammation while also improving mobility and function. There are many different types of physical therapy that can be used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, but the most common and effective type is called “exercise therapy.”
Exercise therapy consists of a variety of different exercises that are specifically designed to stretch and strengthen the muscles and joints affected by ankylosing spondylitis. Exercise therapy is often done in conjunction with other forms of physical therapy, such as heat or cold therapy, to further help reduce pain and inflammation.
While there are many different types of physical therapy that can be used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, it’s important to consult with a physical therapist or another healthcare professional to find out which type of therapy is right for you.
Overall, physical therapy can be a very effective form of treatment for ankylosing spondylitis. If you’re considering physical therapy, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional to find out which type of therapy is right for you.
What Are Some Concerns?
There are some key concerns that need to be considered when thinking about ankylosing spondylitis physical therapy. Some of these factors include:
- The degree to which the disease has progressed
- The age of the patient
- Any previous injuries or conditions that might make physical therapy more difficult
- The patient’s pain tolerance
That said, there are many limitations and concerns that you should take into account before considering ankylosing spondylitis physical therapy. These include:
- Ability to perform the exercises required
- Level of pain the patient is in
- Amount of time the therapy will take
It is important to speak with your doctor about any concerns you might have before starting ankylosing spondylitis physical therapy. With an accurate diagnosis, your doctor can help you find the best treatment options and develop a plan that meets your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ankylosing spondylitis physical therapy is an important part of the treatment process. It can help to relieve pain, improve mobility and function, and prevent further joint damage. If you are considering physical therapy for ankylosing spondylitis, be sure to discuss your goals and expectations with your therapist.
With the right approach, physical therapy can be a helpful tool in managing this condition. Just be sure to work closely with your therapist to ensure that you are getting the most out of your treatments.
Physical Therapy help patients recover from pain. If you’re experiencing Back pain, Shoulder pain, Knee pain, Neck pain, Elbow pain, Hip pain, or Arthritis pain, a physical therapist at MantraCare can help: Book a physiotherapy session.