Year: 2025 | Month: January-March | Volume: 10 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 31-39
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20250104
Improving Function and Mobility in Ankylosing Spondylitis through Physiotherapy: A Comprehensive Review
Priyadarsini Patra
Department of Pancha Karma (Physiotherapy), Govt. Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Bolangir, Odisha, India
Corresponding Author: Priyadarsini Patra
ABSTRACT
Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, often leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Physiotherapy is widely recommended for AS management, aiming to alleviate symptoms, maintain mobility, and improve overall quality of life.
Purpose: This review explores the role of physiotherapy in enhancing the quality of life for patients with ankylosing spondylitis, examining its effectiveness in reducing pain, improving physical function, and promoting daily activity engagement.
Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted by analyzing recent studies on physiotherapy interventions for ankylosing spondylitis. Research articles, systematic reviews, and clinical trials published in the last decade were selected from medical databases. Key physiotherapy modalities, including exercise therapy, stretching, hydrotherapy, and posture training, were evaluated for their outcomes on pain relief, spinal flexibility, and patient-reported quality of life.
Results: Evidence suggests that regular physiotherapy can significantly benefit AS patients. Exercise programs, particularly those focused on stretching, aerobic conditioning, and postural training, effectively reduce pain, increase spinal mobility, and prevent postural deformities. Hydrotherapy and supervised group exercises were particularly impactful, promoting social interaction and adherence. Patients reported notable improvements in functional capacity, mental health, and overall life satisfaction.
Conclusion: Physiotherapy is a valuable, non-pharmacological intervention for ankylosing spondylitis, offering improvements in pain management, mobility, and quality of life. Regular, individualized physiotherapy programs tailored to patient needs can be instrumental in managing AS symptoms and enabling patients to lead more active, fulfilling lives. Further research is needed to standardize physiotherapy protocols and maximize their therapeutic potential in AS management.
Keywords: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Physiotherapy, Pain management, Spinal mobility, Exercise therapy, Quality of life, Hydrotherapy, Functional capacity, Posture training.