Spine, Back and Neck

Ankylosing Spondylitis Physiotherapy in Indirapuram

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints. Medication controls the inflammation. Regular, targeted exercise is what keeps the spine moving and your posture upright.

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How it differs from ordinary back pain

Mechanical back pain usually gets worse with activity and better with rest. Inflammatory back pain from ankylosing spondylitis does the opposite. It's typically worst in the second half of the night and first thing in the morning, with stiffness lasting well over half an hour, and it improves with movement.

It tends to start before the age of 40, often in the twenties. If that pattern sounds familiar and you haven't been assessed by a rheumatologist, that's the first step. Modern medication, including biologic drugs, has changed the outlook considerably.

Why exercise is part of treatment

Over years, uncontrolled inflammation can lead to new bone formation that stiffens and eventually fuses segments of the spine. The posture that results is a forward stoop that makes it hard to look straight ahead. Exercise can't stop inflammation, but it strongly influences the position in which the spine stiffens and how much movement you keep.

A good programme covers spinal extension and rotation, hip mobility, chest expansion and deep breathing, and general strength and fitness. It works best done daily, briefly, rather than once a week at length.

What we focus on

We measure spinal mobility, chest expansion and posture so progress can be tracked objectively. Then we build a home programme you can realistically do in 15 to 20 minutes, with clinic sessions to progress it and handle flares.

Extension-focused exercise to counter the forward stoop
Rib cage mobility and breathing work
Hip range of motion, since hips are often involved
Strength and aerobic fitness for overall health

Heat helps with morning stiffness. Forceful spinal manipulation is avoided because spinal bone can become brittle in longstanding disease.

Exercises often used for Ankylosing Spondylitis

These are exercises our physiotherapists commonly include. Which ones suit you, how many and in what order depends on your assessment and stage of recovery.

Cat Cow StretchArching and rounding the spine on hands and knees. Loosens the whole back gently. Also called cat camel.Lumbar Rotation StretchLetting bent knees fall to each side while lying down. Eases lower back stiffness.Thoracic ExtensionExtending the upper back over a chair or towel roll. Counteracts slouching and helps neck and shoulder pain.Back Extension ExerciseLifting the chest from lying face down. Strengthens the muscles along the spine.Cervical RotationTurning the head side to side within a comfortable range to restore neck movement.Chest StretchDoorway stretch for the chest muscles. Opens rounded shoulders and eases upper back strain.

All back and spine exercises

Medical note

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Treatment is planned after an in-person assessment by a physiotherapist, and we refer you to a doctor where symptoms need medical review first. If you have sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, chest pain or severe unexplained pain, seek emergency care.

Frequently asked questions

Should I rest during a flare?

Short periods of relative rest are fine, but gentle movement usually helps stiffness more than lying still.

Is swimming good?

Very. It encourages spinal extension and rotation without much impact.

Can exercise replace medication?

No. They work together. Medication controls inflammation; exercise preserves mobility and function.

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, and can gradually stiffen the back.

What causes Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Common causes include an immune-related inflammatory process with a strong genetic link (the HLA-B27 gene), usually starting in young adults.

What are the common symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Common symptoms include back pain and stiffness lasting more than an hour in the morning, pain that improves with exercise, night pain in the second half of the night, and fatigue.

How is Ankylosing Spondylitis diagnosed?

A rheumatologist diagnoses it using blood tests, MRI or X-ray of the sacroiliac joints and clinical features.

Can physiotherapy help with Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Yes. Daily exercise is a core treatment alongside medication, helping keep the spine mobile and posture upright. Our arthritis physiotherapy programme is built around this.

What are the goals of physiotherapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis?

To preserve spinal and chest movement, maintain posture, reduce stiffness and keep you active.

What treatments may be used for Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Treatment usually combines exercises such as cervical rotation, shoulder circles and cat cow stretch with heat therapy (thermotherapy) and interferential therapy (IFT). Hands-on treatment, education and activity advice are added as needed, and the plan changes as you progress.

Related treatments

Joints

Ready to feel better?

Book an assessment at our Indirapuram clinic or ask for a home visit. Call +91-9999973681 or send a WhatsApp message and we will confirm your slot.