Further measures

Passive therapy for ankylosing spondylitis includes stretching, especially of the front muscle chain (especially the hip flexors), which is greatly shortened by the bent posture. Massages of the tense muscles and breathing therapy (e.g. contact breathing) are also useful measures in physiotherapy for Bekhterev’s disease. Sports that are easy on the joints such as swimming (especially backstroke), cycling and walking are recommended.

Many affected patients achieve great progress through water gymnastics. The doctor can also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication. In very advanced cases, surgery for ankylosing spondylitis can be performed. The application of a kinesiotape is also very common. In addition to the blood circulation-promoting effects, the kinesiotape also aims at a conditional posture correction.

Summary

In summary, it can be said that although the disease cannot be cured, the progression of the disease can be counteracted and its consequences can be reduced by active cooperation of the patient, a lot of practice and good cooperation between patient and therapist. By working on the posture, the self-esteem and thus the quality of life can be considerably increased again.

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