Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Exercise Ball for Stretching

I've been getting PT lately for a flare up that has impacted my middle spine. I have this overwhelming urge to stretch my spine by arching backwards. This, of course, is painful for anyone with AS.

My Therapist had me do some arching on a 65cm exercise ball. Wow! It felt so good. I went right from therapy to Gart Sports and purchased one for $15.99.

She told me that the urge to arch backwards is a result of the disease curling me forward. As long as you are not fused, stretching and arching backwards will help prevent fusion. It hurts like hell, but it is "good pain", much like a deep tissue massage.

I thought I'd pass this on as I am sure many of you feel the same way. I would suggest, however, that you get advice/clearance from your doctor or PT prior to trying. If you are fused, you probably do not want to try arching backwards and crack your spine (much like the ER episode last night).

Take care.

Geez

Hi........sorry I don't know your name.

I know one of our KA family members that has one of those balls. It seems to help alot. I'm going to be getting one myself to help with my stretches. Prob. is, my 11 year old son loved this friend of mines ball sooooo much that I don't know if he'll ever get off of it so I can have a try. LOL

Love,

Wendy

Hi Geez!
I use two different sizes of exercise balls. That's the only way I can do sit-ups. I also use the smaller one for squats againt the wall, and the bigger one to sit and bounce on using my quads. Sometimes I lay on the big one, and try to lift my arms to the side, and one let out to the back. My family love to watch me TRY to keep my balance.
( Glad I can amuse them)
Anyways, it's good to do the things you can thta help you, and PT's are the best to help you make sure you do them correctly!
Good luck!
Laura

Another Oregonian! I live in Beaverton.

Great weather this week!!

If you live in the area and are looking for a PT, I recommend mine. Her father had AS and she is the greatest. She has made my life much better. Let me know by sending me a private email. I don't want to broadcast my PT's contact information on the web.

Take care.

Geez.

The excercise balls I have noticed are being pushed in sports stores pretty heavy lately. They use different types of therapy to sell them as well. I noticed one that said it was an ab cruncher, and another that said it could be used for yoga. I have had mine for about 7 years now, and it is very useful for stretching. I was prescribed the excercise ball by a PT as well. The one thing I find that is important is to keep it full with air because when they aren't firm I don't feel that the results are the same. Also, they are great for kids to bounce around on as well as us.

Lenny

AS is a pain in the neck

Hi

I use a big and small ball myself. All unfused AS ' ers should have one of these in your living room , to practice posture, strengthen abs, or just make love.....eeerr I mean , lie around.

B

Rose lipped maidens...lite footed lads

Geez, first of all, welcome to KA!!

I often arch backwards too. I love the way it feels - like a release of all the muscles in my thorasic area. I don't have an exercise ball, but I do pilates (although, I admit, lately it's not been much) and the extension stretches always feel amazing. Makes sense that our bodies like to do this as a counter measure to the stoop.

Hugs,

Kat

I love my exercise ball. I went out and bought one after using one at physical therapy, too. One thing I've noticed is that the theraband balls at the PT offices are softer than the ones sold at walmart and sports authority. I think theraband makes them for PT whereas the others are made for normal people to exercise with. It didn't make that much difference, but if I had to do over, I'd probably order a theraband ball. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how I'm going to keep my ball come June since my landlord is turning my den into another bedroom, and my own bedroom is way to small to have a ball sitting around. I may end up having to rent my own place in order to have space for my stuff. Besides I'd have to pay for storage for my furniture which is currently in the den so I wouldn't benefit from the price break for having a fourth person live here. Might as well move my furniture back into my own living room. Its a shame, too, since one of my friends surprised me by signing the lease for that room after hearing we wouldn't be able to keep it as a den. And I'm really tired, and rambling on a tangent that has nothing to do with exercise balls. I think its time for bed.

-Jeff