Regular exercise is one of the most effective treatments for ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Work out with Michael Slater, former Australian cricketer, as he demonstrates exercises to help you manage your condition.
Slater has been living with AS since he was 18 years old and considers it his greatest test.
If you have AS, it is important to maintain good posture and mobility of thespine. The exercises in these demonstration videos are designed to help you do this.
You should do some specific exercises for your AS every day. These demonstration videos highlight several key targets and are designed to get you started. Consistency is the key to gaining maximum benefit.
Remember, everyone is different and can manage different activity levels. None of the exercises in these demonstration exercise videos should hurt, however, you should feel a good stretch.
Exercises which move and stretch the body, strengthen the postural muscles which help keep you up straight, and improve your breathing and chest expansion are all important. At least 30 minutes of specific exercise should be done each day, targeting different parts of the body and different movements, ensuring the whole body is stretched and moved daily.
The best exercise programs are individually tailored. A physiotherapist can help design a program to meet your specific needs.
Activities and sports that improve your general fitness are an important inclusion in your total management plan.
You can also order your free copy of the DVD Working out with Michael Slater, by clicking here.
AbbVie provided an educational grant to Arthritis Australia to support the production of this video. With over 10 years dedicated experience in rheumatology, AbbVie has been a long-term supporter and partner with the Australian arthritis community working towards delivering quality education, information and total health outcomes for people living with arthritis.
Disclaimer
This demonstration exercise video for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has been produced in conjunction with the Australian Physiotherapy Association and highlights key areas most commonly affected by AS. However, it is not a comprehensive range of exercises nor is it tailored for your specific individual needs. Neither Arthritis Australia nor the Australian Physiotherapy Association make any representations or warranties as to the effectiveness of the exercises contained in this video in relieving the symptoms of AS or improving your posture and/or flexibility or the appropriateness of the exercises for a particular purpose.Prior to undertaking any of the exercises demonstrated in this video you should consult your physiotherapist, rheumatologist or other suitably qualified medical practitioner as to the suitability of the exercises for you. This video should be used as a guide only and is not a substitute for the advice or prescribed course of treatment of qualified medical practitioners, physiotherapists, or rheumatologists.By viewing this demonstration exercise video, you agree to:
consult your physiotherapist or rheumatologist before undertaking this or any other exercise program;
seek guidance from a physiotherapist or rheumatologist, if unsure about any of the exercises contained in this demonstration exercise video;
stop immediately and consult a healthcare professional if at any stage the exercises in this demonstration video hurt or cause discomfort; and
use reasonable care, skill and judgment when performing any of the exercises shown on this video.
Exclusion of Liability
Participation in any of the exercises shown on this video is at your own risk. By viewing this demonstration exercise video or performing the exercises demonstrated, you acknowledge and accept that, to the extent permitted by law, neither Arthritis Australia nor the Australian Physiotherapy Association will be under any liability to you whatsoever, whether in contract or tort (including, without limitation, negligence), breach of statute or any other legal or equitable obligation, in respect of any injury, loss or damage (including loss of profit or savings), howsoever caused, which may be suffered or incurred by the viewer or any other person.
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