Comments on: Massage and Ankylosing Spondylitis

By: Paul Brown

Paul Brown — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:16:20 +0000

Kristen, There are many techniques that can be helpful, but allowing your spinal extensors to have a change to relax through shortening, will help give them a break.

By: Kristen

Kristen — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:10:23 +0000

Paul, this information is awesome I’m glad that I stumbled across it. I myself am diagnosed with AS while also being a MT student and had tried previously to find info on recommended massage techniques for my condition but could never really find anything. Your info is very helpful though and now I’ll know what to specifically ask for when I get my own work done to try and keep myself healthy. Thank you =]

By: Sandy

Sandy — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 13:24:35 +0000

“spa robot” ha, haven’t heard that one before! No offence to those working in spa’s I might add. My nephew was diagnosed with AS around four years ago and is only 20 years of age now. He has discovered surfing and it is one of the many activities that doesn’t give him a great deal of grief. Infact I’d say it is helping his condition. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I’m a hot stone massage therapist and my nephew has been weary of any one massaging him due to fear of worsening his condition. I’ll certainly pass on your thoughts. Great site, thanks!

By: Noura

Noura — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 03:11:37 +0000

Paul, thank you so much for your answer! i appreciate your help and i agree about researching and continued learning!!!

Noura

By: Paul Brown

Paul Brown — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 01:20:10 +0000

A massage therapist doesn’t need special certifications, but training in physiology and pathology can be helpful in familiarizing an MT in the condition, as well as in how to do research on this or other conditions. My sources are the Mayo Clinic, National Institutes of Health, my own training at the National Holistic Institute, and other sources.

It’s important as a massage therapist to be passionate about researching and continued learning. Otherwise, you may as well just be a spa robot.

By: Noura

Noura — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 21:01:54 +0000

Hello Paul. very interesting article. i am a student of massage institute and i have a question. Do massage therapist need special certification to work on people with such disease? also what is the sourse of your knowledge about it.
thank you very much

Noura

By: Paul Brown

Paul Brown — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:53:08 +0000

Vinay,

Without examining you, I would be hesitant to say anything, but generally, gentle massage should be fine. There are definite things they shouldn’t be doing, like going to deep in near the vertebrae, and no rocking or shaking.

If you can see a physician, I’d advise you to do so, as well. They may have specific recommendations for you for bodywork.

Paul

By: vinay

vinay — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:13:43 +0000

Hi Paul ,
I am suffering from AS for past 10 yrs , I can bend backward but not too much forward. I am going to Ayurveda massages , Where they are massaging with hot herbal oils , by doing so pains are becoming more.
Is this the right way of treatment.

Thanks

By: Richelle

Richelle — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 20:02:48 +0000

Hi Paul!

I am currently a massage student and i am writing a paper on AS and what a massage treatment would look like for a client with AS. As well as contraindications to massage. I also need to consider what a treatment plan could look like. Could you help me out?

Thanks

By: Paul Brown

Paul Brown — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:59:22 +0000

Dina,

Vibration is contraindicated, as are any form of rocking or shaking work. Slow, deep effleurage can be very helpful if Swedish massage is your area of training.