Exercise resources for people with 'advanced' axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA)
'Advanced axSpA' refers to having one or more of the following:
- a more long-standing condition
- spinal ankylosis or fusion
- more joint involvement or other complications.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Australia
The AS group of Queensland have produced two free exercise resources, available as a DVD or mp4 link:
'Water Exercises: A Hydrotherapy Program for people with AS'
A comprehensive resource showing warm water exercises in sections such as warm up, shoulder/ arm exercises etc, specifically designed for people who have AS.
‘An Exercise Program for people with AS’
This is a guide to dry land exercises. It includes 'contract/relax' stretches and it recommended that these are taught in person by a physiotherapist.
Both programs advise that they are a guide only, and and consultation with a doctor or healthcare professional is recommended, prior to commencement.
National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) UK
There are two main sections for exercise resources on the NASS website: ‘Stretches for your daily life’, and ‘My AS, My Life’. Both resources are free.
A series of short videos featuring stretches to incorporate into your normal daily activities – for example, Morning Stretches, Stretches in the Kitchen, Shoulder and Upper Back Stretch
Regular live exercise sessions, plus an extensive range of videos available via session library or YouTube channel.
The sessions listed below are suggested as most suited to people who have advanced AS:
Specific exercise (mobility focus)
- Stretches for your daily life
- Neck and back exercises for axial spondyloarthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis
- Axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA)/ankylosing spondylitis (AS) stretches with physio Emily Clarke
- Summer stretch for axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA)/ ankylosing spondylitis (AS), with Emily
Functional exercise (including strength and balance)
- Therapeutic Tai Chi for axial spondyloarthritis
- Improving balance to reduce falls for people with axial spondyloarthritis
- Introduction to yoga for axial spondyloarthritis - take a moment to stretch and relax
- Have you tried yoga from the comfort of your bed? Follow along to wind down for a good night's sleep
- Pilates taster session for people with axial spondyloarthritis
- Try a relaxing Tai Chi taster session with Julia Mitchell
- Try the Alexander Technique to get moving and focus on your posture with axial spondyloarthritis
Cardio exercise
- Getting started with Nordic Walking for axial SpA (includes warm-up exercises)
- HIIT taster session - physio-led seated and standing exercises for people with axial SpA
Spondylitis Association of America
Free videos on Cardio, Strength, Morning and Evening Stretch, Yoga exercises
Back in Action Again, SAA's Newest Exercise Video (spondylitis.org)
BJC Health (Aus)
Exercise and Ankylosing Spondylitis – summary of different exercise types by Exercise Physiologist Sarah Comensoli
Exercise and Ankylosing Spondilytis - YouTube
Yoga for AS (UK)
Live online classes and library of online courses; Yoga courses modified for AS by qualified instructors (who have AS themselves)
FREE Initial class (see also NASS yoga classes by the same instructors) - then monthly or annual subscription
Safe Exercises at Home (Aus)
The Safe Exercise at Home website and booklet provides information on ways to stay active at three levels of function and fitness. It is designed for older people, but is suitable for anyone with AS who is experiencing balance problems or who is starting from a lower level of physical activity (such as following illness or surgery). This is a free resource.
Learn more
This website has been independently developed by Arthritis Australia for Australian users. We would like to thank our funding partners, and the many clinical and consumer experts who have assisted in its development.
Supporters
