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Patient Information Leaflet Gym Ball Exercises For Ankylosing Spondylitis Rde 21 037 001

The document provides a guide for gym ball exercises tailored for patients with ankylosing spondylitis, emphasizing the importance of balancing rest and activity to manage symptoms. It includes a variety of exercises aimed at improving joint movement and muscle strength, with specific instructions for performing each exercise safely. Patients are advised to consult their physiotherapist for personalized guidance and to monitor their condition during flare-ups.

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Puspak Dasgupta
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24 views3 pages

Patient Information Leaflet Gym Ball Exercises For Ankylosing Spondylitis Rde 21 037 001

The document provides a guide for gym ball exercises tailored for patients with ankylosing spondylitis, emphasizing the importance of balancing rest and activity to manage symptoms. It includes a variety of exercises aimed at improving joint movement and muscle strength, with specific instructions for performing each exercise safely. Patients are advised to consult their physiotherapist for personalized guidance and to monitor their condition during flare-ups.

Uploaded by

Puspak Dasgupta
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Patient Information

Gym Ball Exercises for Ankylosing


Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease characterised by Spine pain and early morning stiffness
inflammation and fusion of the spine. Occasionally reduced significantly, improved well-
other parts of the body may experience symptoms
of inflammation. During acute episodes or ‘flare- being (GREEN)
ups’, the spine can become more stiff and painful ■ Continue to gradually build up your exercises
with increased fatigue. to your previous level.
Each joint has a position of comfort which is ■ Continue with your normal activities of daily
adopted when it is painful. If the joints are living.
nursed in this position for the duration of the
flare, the joint may become fixed in that position. The following exercises should be performed
slowly and smoothly as instructed by your
A successful exercise regime requires a balance physiotherapist.
of rest and activity. This programme of exercises
should be carried out every day to maintain the
movement in the joints and muscle strength. Warm up exercise
Choose a time when least tired, or most effective
Two minutes marching on the spot with a high
to ease stiffness (i.e. early morning).
knee raise. Lift arms alternately sideways above
Use the traffic light system to help you through your head and forwards above your head.
any flare-ups.

Feeling unwell, tired, increased spine Neck exercises


pain and increased early morning If you experience any dizziness while
stiffness (RED) performing these neck exercises,
STOP IMMEDIATELY and inform your
■ Exercise the unaffected joints as normal. physiotherapist or doctor.
■ Perform one or two full range of movement
exercises to your affected joints every 2 hours
o Exercise 1
to prevent stiffness.
SITTING ON THE GYM
■ Be aware of your posture. BALL
Flare subsiding, less spine pain and Sit on the gym ball with your
feet flat on the floor. Try to
reduced early morning stiffness maintain an upright posture
(AMBER) with your pelvis in neutral.
■ Gradually start to build up the repetitions of
range of movement exercises.
■ Start muscle strengthening exercises.

Reference Number: RDE 21 037 001


Page 1 of 3
(Version date: June 2021)
o Exercise 2 o Exercise 5
LATERAL PELVIC SIDE FLEXION OVER THE BALL
TILTING Kneel next to the gym ball. Arch your side over
Sitting on the gym ball, the ball as shown. Feel the stretch.
slowly tilt your
pelvis from side to side.

o Exercise 3
PELVIC TILTING
Sitting on the gym ball, slowly tilt your pelvis
forwards and backwards.
The exercise can be progressed by walking your
legs further out to the side and straightening
your knees as shown:

o Exercise 4
ARCHING OVER THE BALL o Exercise 6
Sit on the gym KNEE ROLLING
ball and slowly
walk your feet Lie on the floor with
forwards until your legs resting on the
the ball is under gym ball. Slowly rotate
the middle part your legs out to the
of your back. side as far as you can
Relax into the comfortably.
extension stretch. Repeat in the opposite
direction.
The stretch can be progressed by lifting your
arms over your head.

Take care with


your neck
extension and
only do as
advised by your
physiotherapist.

Reference Number: RDE 21 037 001


Page 2 of 3
(Version date: June 2021)
o Exercise 7 o Exercise 9
BRIDGING SUPERMAN STRETCH
Lie on the floor with your feet on top of the gym Lie over the gym ball as shown. Try to keep your
ball. Tighten your bottom and lift up until your back straight. Lift up one arm and your head.
back is straight. Repeat with the other arm.

You can progress the exercise by lifting one arm


The exercise can be progressed by repeating with and the opposite leg as shown:
your knees straight as shown:

o Exercise 10

o Exercise 8 ROTATION BALL PASSES


Sit on a gym ball back to back with a partner.
THE PLANK Rotate the top half of your body to pass a ball to
Rest your shins on the gym ball as shown and your partner. Repeat in the opposite direction.
lift up into a plank position. Try to keep your
back straight and your head level. Hold for a few
seconds and slowly lower down.

Only do the exercises prescribed by your


physiotherapist.

The Trust cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information given if
the leaflet is not used by RD&E staff undertaking procedures at the RD&E hospitals.
© Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust
Designed by Graphics (Print & Design), RD&E

Reference Number: RDE 21 037 001


Page 3 of 3
(Version date: June 2021)

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