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This study aims to compare the effectiveness of deep tissue massage DTM and therapeutic massage TM in the management of ankylosing spondylitis AS patients. This was a small, randomized clinical pilot study. Subjects in each group had 10 sessions of massage. This study suggests that massage may have clinical benefits for treating ankylosing spondylitis patients. Additional scientific research in this area is warranted. Ankylosing spondylitis AS is a chronic, progressive inflammatory rheumatic disease that predominantly affects the sacroiliac joints and spine and it may also involve the peripheral joints and specific organ like the eyes and bowels.
AS leads to structural damage and functional impairments and a decrease in the quality of life [ 1 ]. The majority of AS patients suffer from back pain [ 2 ]. Lower back pain and stiffness are clinical criteria for the diagnosis of AS [ 3 ]. AS affects 0. The latest publications indicate that spondyloarthropathies occur as often as rheumatoid arthritis [ 4 , 5 ].
Men are affected by AS times more often than women [ 1 ]. The treatment of AS patients requires pharmacotherapy together with nonpharmacological intervention, including physiotherapy modalities [ 6 , 7 ]. The relevant physiotherapy modalities in the management of AS include supervised and unsupervised exercises, training, manual therapy, massage, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, acupuncture, patient information and educational programs [ 8 ], balneotherapy, spa therapy, rehabilitation [ 9 ], education [ 10 ], and lifestyle modification [ 11 ].
Wang et al. The main goals of therapy are to reduce pain, prevent spinal deformation, and improve mobility and overall function [ 7 ]. Physiotherapy is considered to play an important role in AS management and helps to maintain functional abilities and a satisfactory quality of life [ 7 , 8 ].
