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June 5, 2007
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Last week, I had my first client with ankylosing spondylitis. I've heard of this disorder but have had no practical experience with this condition that sounds like some type of arthritis. Of course, I had to go to the internet to find out more about this condition.
Ankylosing Spondylitis At A Glance
* Ankylosing spondylitis belongs to a group of arthritis conditions which tend to cause chronic inflammation of the spine (spondyloarthropathies).
* Ankylosing spondylitis affects males 2-3 times more commonly than females.
* Ankylosing spondylitis is a cause of back pain in adolescents and young adults.
* Tendency to develop ankylosing spondylitis is genetically inherited.
* The HLA-B27 gene can be detected in the blood of most patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
* Ankylosing spondylitis can also affect eyes, heart, lungs, and occasionally the kidneys.
* The optimal treatment of ankylosing spondylitis involves medications that reduce inflammation or suppress immunity, physical therapy and exercise.
For more information about Ankylosing Spondylitis, please visit Arthritis Foundation (http://www.arthritis.org/).
So what can massage do for the condition? Pain relief is the primary benefit of massage. Good communication with the client is essential for optimal treatment. If your client has never had massage before, it will take some time for them to learn what the proper length, depth and frequency of massage is right for them.
tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health ankylosing apondylitis
Posted by linda at June 5, 2007 7:02 AM
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