Hi Swim - Well, go right along with Sue22 here. Don't know IF there are any 'studies' per se, but do know that many papers reference to physio therapy and to s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g as being important in 'managing' AS - and the other arthritic conditions. IF you don't move it you'll surely loose it, and that is a *known! (Old time ways of treating arthritic conditions was to immobilise almost, then findings were that patients *seized up*...) So, yes, PT. Which you can do on your own of course. But, would *strongly suggest starting with 'a' Physio Therapist, so that you have the groundwork knowledge of the 'hows' etc: all too easy to do the 'wrong' stretch? Also, Pilates is excellent, but, not unless you have a fully qualified instructor, who 'knows' your condition and will treat accordingly. Had a fantastic Pilates instructor in the UK. She knew my condition and really helped me. Terrific. Surely do miss her. (Have a friend who is spondy but not AS. She 'refused' to go to the classes, downright would NOT go, said she was 'too large' to be 'seen' in workout clothes! Anyways, she went out and bought herself a Pilates 'work out frame', almost damaged herself for life! Even then, could not take on board the basics of the theory of Pilates and that it was *necessary to start at the beginning, with a fully qualified instructor, and NOT try going it alone with a frame, a video and an instruction book...! Nuff said.)
Go for the PT, but under instruction first. OK?
Oh yes. Back to those papers. Many a mention: instructed by my erstwhile UK rheumy to 'keep active', go to dance classes, walk, do Pilates etc. Also, same admonition by by new rheumy here in France. Found a paper written by him the other day, speaking of the 'multi discipline approach' to treating AS, *including PT*. Interesting. (Reminder, now with James pointing me in the right direction, I can get the paper translated into English! Thanks again James.)
Molly C (France)
