Exercise is good for just about everybody.
Exercise is crucial to help people with AS maintain joint motion and function.
Ask your doctor or rheumatologist for a recommendation.
Set aside a regular time to exercise that works for you.
These could increase pain in the spine, hips, and knees.
If youre considering a contact sport or other high-impact exercise, talk to your doctor or physical therapist first.
You should do regular posture checks: Back up to a wall.
Place your heels and buttocks against the wall.
Can you get your shoulders back against the wall?
Can you get your head back to touch the wall?
TheMayo Clinicalso recommends practicing standing straight in front of a mirror to help improve posture.
Your physical therapist can recommend additional posture exercises.
Dont Overdo It
Start slowly,especially if youre new to exercising or if youre experiencing a flare.
Disease activity fluctuates, so if pain and stiffness are worse, ease off your activities.
If youre feeling okay, you may be able to increase the frequency or intensity of your exercise.
Find exercises and activities you enjoy, and involve your family and friends.
Walking is usually a comfortable activity, so take the kids and the dog for a walk.
When youre exercising, youre doing something good for yourself.
And chances are youll feel good, too.
Dr. Biggee also works as a healthcare wellness consultant forSynergy Wellness Centerin Hudson, Massachusetts.
Dr. Biggee brings a human-centered approach to wellness rather than focusing solely on diseases.
She was preceptor for the Lawrence General Hospital Family Medicine Residency.
His experiences with an autoimmune disease heightened her awareness around health from an early age.
