Ankylosing Spondylitis Physiotherapy in Manchester: A Guide to Managing Chronic Back Pain
At Athos Physio in Manchester, we specialise in biomechanics physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation, helping individuals with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) improve mobility and manage pain through targeted physiotherapy techniques. If you’re in Manchester and struggling with chronic back pain, this guide will explain how physiotherapy can help you manage AS effectively.
What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine, leading to persistent pain, stiffness, and potential loss of mobility. Unlike mechanical back pain, AS is caused by an autoimmune response, where the body mistakenly attacks its own tissues, triggering long-term inflammation.
AS typically starts in early adulthood (ages 17-45) and progresses over time. The inflammation mainly affects the sacroiliac joints (where the spine meets the pelvis), but in more advanced cases, it can lead to the fusion of spinal vertebrae, significantly reducing flexibility.
Key Characteristics of Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Chronic Lower Back Pain: Persistent discomfort, often mistaken for muscle strain.
- Inflammatory in Nature: Symptoms worsen after rest and improve with movement.
- Progressive Condition: Without early intervention, AS can lead to spinal fusion and postural changes.
- Genetic Link: Strongly associated with the HLA-B27 gene, though not all carriers develop AS.
- Whole-Body Impact: AS can affect the hips, ribs, shoulders, and even the eyes (uveitis).
At Athos Physio in Manchester, we provide tailored physiotherapy programs to help individuals with AS manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Recognising AS early is crucial for effective pain management and physiotherapy treatment. The most common symptoms include:
1. Chronic Lower Back & Hip Pain
- Persistent lower back pain, especially in the morning or after prolonged inactivity.
- Pain improves with movement but worsens with rest.
- Pain often starts in the sacroiliac joints and spreads up the spine.
2. Stiffness & Reduced Flexibility
- Inflammation causes stiffness in the spine, making it difficult to bend or turn.
- Without intervention, spinal mobility may progressively decrease, leading to postural changes.
3. Pain That Radiates to Other Areas
- AS pain often spreads up the spine to the neck and mid-back.
- Chest tightness may occur due to inflammation affecting rib movement, making deep breathing difficult.
4. Fatigue & Systemic Inflammation
- Chronic inflammation triggers the immune system, leading to persistent fatigue.
- Sleep disturbances are common due to discomfort.
5. Joint & Extra-Spinal Symptoms
- AS isn’t limited to the spine – it can affect the hips, knees, and shoulders, leading to joint pain and reduced range of motion.
- Eye Inflammation (Uveitis): Red, painful, and blurry vision.
- Breathing Difficulties: Limited chest expansion if rib joints are affected.
- Gut Inflammation: Many AS patients experience digestive issues linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
At Athos Physiotherapy Manchester, our experienced sports physiotherapists provide tailored rehabilitation programs to manage symptoms, improve spinal mobility, and enhance quality of life.
How Physiotherapy Can Diagnose and Treat Ankylosing Spondylitis
Physiotherapists play a crucial role in the early identification, management, and rehabilitation of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). While an official diagnosis of AS is made through a combination of medical history, imaging (X-ray, MRI), and blood tests (HLA-B27 genetic marker, inflammatory markers such as CRP and ESR), physiotherapists are often the first healthcare professionals to recognise the early signs of inflammatory back pain.
At Athos Physio in Manchester, we conduct comprehensive biomechanical assessments to differentiate AS from mechanical lower back pain. Key diagnostic indicators include:
- Morning stiffness lasting over 30 minutes.
- Pain that improves with movement but worsens with rest.
- Restricted spinal mobility.
- Positive results on tests such as the Schober’s test (lumbar flexion) or FABER test (sacroliac joint involvement).
Once AS is identified, physiotherapy becomes an essential part of long-term management, focusing on mobility preservation, pain relief, and postural correction. At **Athos Physio Manchester**, we develop individualised rehabilitation plans incorporating:
1. Targeted Mobility Exercises
- Stretching and spinal extension exercises help maintain flexibility and prevent spinal fusion.
2. Postural Training
- Correcting movement patterns and strengthening postural muscles prevents the typical forward-hunched posture associated with advanced AS.
3. Biomechanics & Gait Analysis
- Assessing movement patterns to minimise strain on affected joints.
4. Manual Therapy & Sports Massage
- Deep tissue and myofascial release techniques help alleviate muscle tightness and reduce inflammation.
5. Breathing & Rib Mobility Techniques
- Improving lung capacity and preventing breathing restrictions caused by rib joint inflammation.
6. Hydrotherapy & Low-Impact Strength Training
- Water-based therapy reduces joint stress while improving mobility and strength.
Unlike temporary pain relief methods, physiotherapy provides long-term benefits by addressing the root cause of pain and mobility loss in AS patients. At **Athos Physiotherapy Manchester**, our experienced physiotherapists help individuals stay active, reduce stiffness, and improve their overall quality of life through a science-backed, biomechanics-driven approach.
If you’re in Manchester and experiencing persistent back pain, don’t wait. Contact **Athos Physio** today to book a consultation and start your tailored rehabilitation plan. Let us help you manage Ankylosing Spondylitis and improve your quality of life.
Why Choose Athos Physio in Manchester?
- Expertise in Biomechanics Physiotherapy: Specialised techniques for chronic pain and mobility issues.
- Personalised Rehabilitation Plans: Tailored to your unique needs and goals.
- Local Focus: Serving the Manchester community with evidence-based physiotherapy.