Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. Conditions like axSpA are long-term and progressive. But they can be treated. Exercise and physical therapy are necessary treatments for people living with axSpA.1,2
AxSpA treatment can help:1
- Reduce symptoms
- Improve your quality of life
- Increase mobility
Benefits of exercise for axial spondyloarthritis
Living a healthy, active life can make a big difference for people with axSpA. There are many benefits of exercise as a treatment option for axSpA, including posture and mobility improvement.1-4
Improving posture
As axSpA progresses, your spine can become rigid. This makes it harder to maintain good posture. Exercise can help you have better posture. It helps strengthen and stretch the muscles around your spine, which makes it easier to stand up straight.2,3
If you sit down for most of the day, your posture might slump. This is because the muscles in the back of your thighs shorten, tilting your hips and head forward. Posture training is a type of active therapy that teaches you how to keep a good posture. You learn how to sit, stand, and move in ways that help prevent pain and injuries.2
Joint mobility
Exercise and physical therapy can help your body be more flexible, move better, and feel less pain. The inflammation that comes with axSpA can lead to joint and spine stiffness. This makes it hard to do things you do every day, and it makes it hard to move around.3
Being active can help make your joints move better. It also can improve your quality of life and help your body work better in lots of ways.3
When you can move around more, you may also feel less sad. This is important because depression symptoms make it hard to take care of yourself and do things with others.3
Chest mobility
As axSpA progresses, your spine may have less movement. In some cases, the bones in the spine may start to grow together into a fixed (fused) position. This can affect your ability to breathe and change the shape of your chest.2,4
Stiffness and fusion can affect the joints where your ribs connect to your spine. When these become stiff, you might find it hard to take a deep breath.2,4
Exercising can help your chest feel less stiff and make it easier to move around. This way, your chest can expand without being too hard on your spine.2-4
Tips to get started
Before starting an exercise routine on your own, talk with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you. Physical therapists can show you the correct way to do exercises and help you:5,6
- Ensure you are using the proper form
- Reduce your risk of injury
- Maximize the benefits of exercise
Starting physical therapy or a new exercise routine can feel scary, but it does not have to. Remember that everyone is different, and you can find a program and therapist that are right for you.
Here are some tips to get started:3,5,6
- Talk to your doctor about your axSpA and what types of exercise are best for you.
- Find an exercise or activity that you enjoy doing.
- Go at your own pace. Start with 5 minutes of low-impact exercise and work up to 30 minutes daily, if possible.
- Break it down into smaller chunks throughout the day.
- Make sure to wear supportive shoes while exercising. Also wear comfortable clothes that do not restrict your movements.
- Be sure you are doing exercises correctly and safely to avoid injuries.
- Listen to your body. If something hurts, stop doing it.
- Remember to stretch! Stretching can help reduce stiffness and improve flexibility.
Exercise also works well with other types of therapies in your treatment plan. No matter what stage of axSpA you are in, it can help you feel better and stay healthy. Do not be afraid to get started! Exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself if you have axSpA.1-3