Axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that mainly affects the spine, pelvis, and sacroiliac joints. It often causes persistent lower back pain and stiffness, particularly in the morning or after long periods of rest. Left untreated, it can affect posture, joint mobility, and overall quality of life.

At After Hours Physio, we offer home-based physiotherapy tailored to individuals with AxSpA. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or are managing ongoing symptoms, we provide personalised treatment plans delivered in the comfort of your home—reducing travel stress and making care more accessible, especially during flare-ups.

🔎 What Is Axial Spondyloarthritis?

Axial spondyloarthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that targets the spine and sacroiliac joints (where your spine meets the pelvis). It’s considered a spectrum disorder, meaning symptoms and severity can vary widely from person to person.

AxSpA is classified into two main types:

• Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis (nr-AxSpA)
  Inflammation is present, but X-rays don’t show joint damage. MRI may detect early changes.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
  A more advanced form where inflammation leads to visible changes on X-ray, such as fusion of the spine (ankylosis).

Both forms are managed similarly, and physiotherapy plays a vital role in slowing progression and maintaining function.

⚠️ Common Symptoms of Axial Spondyloarthritis

AxSpA symptoms often develop gradually and may be mistaken for mechanical back pain. Key symptoms include:

• Chronic lower back pain lasting more than 3 months
• Morning stiffness that lasts over 30 minutes and improves with movement
• Fatigue, often due to inflammation and poor sleep quality
• Alternating buttock pain
• Limited spinal mobility, especially with bending and twisting
• Pain in hips, shoulders, chest wall, or heels (enthesitis)
• Eye inflammation (uveitis) – redness, pain, blurred vision
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (linked with inflammatory bowel disease in some cases)

These symptoms typically begin before age 45 and may worsen without treatment.

🧬 What Causes AxSpA?

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors appears to play a role. Around 80–90% of people with AxSpA carry the HLA-B27 gene, although not everyone with the gene will develop the condition.

Other possible triggers include:

• Gut microbiome imbalance
• Previous infections
• Smoking (can worsen inflammation and disease progression)

🩺 How Is AxSpA Diagnosed?

Early diagnosis can be challenging, especially in the non-radiographic stage. A comprehensive approach includes:

• Detailed medical history (timing, duration, and nature of back pain)
• Physical examination (checking spinal mobility, posture, joint function)
• Blood tests (inflammatory markers like CRP/ESR, HLA-B27 gene)
• MRI – can detect early inflammation not visible on X-ray
• X-rays – used to assess joint damage or fusion

We work alongside GPs and rheumatologists to support diagnosis and ongoing management.

🏠 In-Home Physiotherapy for Axial Spondyloarthritis

Managing AxSpA requires long-term commitment, but physiotherapy is one of the most effective non-medication treatments. Our mobile physiotherapy service brings expert care to your doorstep—ideal for people dealing with fatigue, mobility issues, or busy schedules.

Our Home Physio Approach Includes:

✅ Tailored Exercise Programs

We create custom exercise routines to:

• Improve spinal and joint mobility
• Reduce stiffness and pain
• Strengthen supporting muscles
• Promote good posture and body mechanics

All exercises are adapted to your home environment—no gym needed.

✅ Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques may help:

• Relieve tight muscles and improve movement
• Ease discomfort in the spine, hips, or shoulders
• Improve joint flexibility

✅ Postural Training

We help you correct poor posture patterns that often develop with AxSpA. This reduces long-term strain on your spine and improves breathing mechanics.

✅ Pain Management Education

We teach you how to manage pain flares through:

• Pacing strategies
• Heat or cold therapy
• Breathing and relaxation techniques

✅ Functional Training

We help you move more comfortably during daily activities—getting in and out of bed, climbing stairs, or working from home.

💊 Working With Your Healthcare Team

AxSpA is best managed with a multidisciplinary team. In addition to physiotherapy, your care may include:

• Rheumatologists – to prescribe medications like NSAIDs or biologics (e.g., TNF or IL-17 inhibitors)
• GPs – to coordinate referrals and monitor general health
• Optometrists or ophthalmologists – if uveitis is present
• Dietitians – especially if gut inflammation or IBD is involved

We communicate with your care providers (with your consent) to ensure a holistic approach.

📍 Mobile Physio Available in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs

We provide after-hours and weekend appointments to make managing your condition easier—particularly during flare-ups when travel is difficult.

We service:

• Doncaster
• Ringwood
• Croydon
• Box Hill
• Blackburn
• Mitcham
  …and surrounding areas.

✅ Why Choose Home Physio for AxSpA?

• Reduce stiffness with movement-based therapy—without needing to travel
• Receive one-on-one care focused entirely on your condition
• Improve quality of life with targeted, evidence-based support
• Stay active and independent with fewer interruptions to your routine

📞 Book Your Mobile Physio Session Today

If you’re living with ankylosing spondylitis or non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, our team is here to help. Don’t let stiffness and fatigue hold you back—get personalised care that comes to you.

➡️ Call us @ 0415 238 432
➡️ Visit www.afterhoursphysio.com.au
➡️ Email dom@afterhoursphysio.com.au

About the Author

Dominic Tan, APAM
Principal Physiotherapist & Founder – After Hours Physio

Dominic is an experienced Australian physiotherapist with a special interest in urgent pain management and home-based rehabilitation. He leads After Hours Physio, a home-visiting physiotherapy service in Melbourne, helping patients regain comfort and mobility outside standard clinic hours. Dominic is passionate about delivering evidence-based care where and when it’s needed most.

📞 Urgent home visits available 7 days a week
🌐 www.afterhoursphysio.com.au