Further therapeutic measures
In order to complete the therapy for spondylarthritis, individual physiotherapeutic treatment should take place in addition to the active exercise program. This includes above all respiratory therapy. Through the targeted laying on of hands or the use of light resistance, breathing can be directed to specific areas.
The respiratory muscles can also be treated, the ribs can be mobilized by certain therapeutic techniques. The application of manual therapeutic techniques should only take place in inflammation-free intervals and must be clarified individually. In the case of joints that have undergone severe arthritic changes, manual therapeutic techniques may not make sense or must be adapted individually.
Manual therapy serves to mobilize the joint and is carried out passively by the therapist using handles close to the joint. The vertebral joints, the ribs, as well as all extremity joints can be mobilized. The reduced mobility and also the inflammation that occurs in spondylarthritis can cause pain and mobility related muscular tension and connective tissue adhesions, which can be reduced or released by physiotherapeutic treatment. Fascia therapy, trigger point treatment or massage techniques are available. Warmth (usually not for acute inflammation) and cold applications are possible and can be adapted to the individual situation of the patient.
Summary
In spondylarthritis, inflammation of the vertebral joints occurs repeatedly. During the inflammatory phase, physiotherapeutic treatment and exercise programs should be limited to gentle, pain-relieving measures. In intervals without inflammation, the focus is on maintaining mobility.
Particularly the straightening of the spine must be maintained, and the exercise program must also include rotational and lateral movement components. If necessary, stressful combined exercises should be avoided to prevent irritation of the joints. This applies especially to the cervical spine.
The exercises should be supplemented by respiratory therapy techniques, as the reduced mobility of the thorax can affect breathing and the function of the abdominal organs. Heat should not be applied during an inflammation. Cold can provide relief.Manual therapeutic techniques can also complement the treatment.
Although spondylarthritis can be treated with medication and physiotherapy, it is not curable. A consistent exercise program and the therapy can therefore be carried out permanently.
