Regular stretching and strengthening exercises help spondylitis patients maintain good posture, flexibility and eventually help to lessen pain. In many cases, good posture and mobility can even be regained with proper doses of medicine and exercise. Most people with spondylitis feel much better with exercise, although the inflammatory nature of the disease makes it difficult for some people to feel physically able to exercise. And certain exercises are potentially dangerous for the person with spondylitis. Enter the physical therapist (PT).

PTs play a crucial role in the lives of people with spondylitis, regardless of the person's level of physical impairment. Some people have the notion that physical therapy is used only for injuries or after surgery. While spondylitis patients may need physical therapy for such occasions, they can benefit from using a physical therapist knowledgeable with the disease to create an appropriate exercise treatment plan. Depending on the person's health and goals, physical therapy may last a couple of sessions or develop into a regular, long-term schedule.

What Does the PT Do?
PTs evaluate each person based on their physical and functional status (posture, body mechanics, movement ability), joints and musculoskeletal system, the neuromuscular and cardiopulmonary systems, special equipment or devices (modified footwear, splints, wheelchair), and the need for therapeutic exercise.

Therapeutic exercises are prescribed and used to improve muscle strength, joint mobility, and cardiovascular function. The PT teaches self-management skills enabling patients to modify their individual exercise programs according to disease activity level. In preparing a person with spondylitis for exercise and activity, PTs may recommend the application of heat, cold, electrical therapy, or hydrotherapy to temporarily relieve pain and reduce muscle spasms. PTs also may offer suggestions on how to best perform functional activities safely and efficiently, like movement from a bed, chair, toilet, and bathtub, and approaches to using public transportation.

Where Does the PT Work?
PTs provide care in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, rehabilitation centers, schools, nursing homes, industry, and home health agencies. In more than half the states, patients may self-refer to a PT or be referred by any health care provider. In other states, a physician must refer treatment by a PT. A physician's referral may be required for reimbursement of PT services.

Training
PTs are licensed by the state in which they practice. Currently, entry-level requirements include at least a master's degree. The American Physical Therapy Association must accredit all educational programs.

Source: American College of Rheumatology