New From PubMed:

With advances being made in pharmacological treatments, researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Ohio sought to discover whether traditional physical therapy still has a place in the treatment protocol for ankylosing spondylitis. Traditionally, home exercise programs and physical therapy have been used to treat ankylosing spondylitis patients, and have helped to improve the symptoms of the disease. Exercise at home and under medical supervision has been shown to improve mobility, pain, stiffness, posture, mood, fitness, and overall quality of life. Water therapy also improves the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, and leads to a better sense of health for the patient. Researchers found that despite the pharmacological advancements made in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis, traditional physical therapy and exercise programs still play an important role in any management strategy of the disease. Inpatient rehabilitation and formal physical therapy is beneficial to patients with more severe cases, while home exercise programs and water therapy can be prescribed for milder cases.

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