New Insights in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation in Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Review

Rheumatol Ther. 2019 Dec;6(4):479-486. doi: 10.1007/s40744-019-00170-x. Epub 2019 Aug 13.

Abstract

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic and inflammatory rheumatic disease characterized by pain, structural and functional impairments, and reduced mobility and potential deformity of the axial skeleton. Treatment of axSpA includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy. However, in the biologic era, unmet needs still remain for patients intolerant to or non-responders to biologic drugs and despite the development of new treatments, physical therapy and rehabilitation are of crucial importance in the management of axSpA patients. The aim of this manuscript is to review the current evidence on the assessment, physical therapy, and rehabilitation in axSpA patients.

Keywords: Ankylosing spondylitis; Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis; Physiotherapy; Rehabilitation; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Review