[Physical Therapy in the early treatment of ankylosing spondylitis].

The primary goals of physiotherapeutic interventions at the early phase of M. Bechterew are alleviation of pain and prevention of functional impairments in patients. In order to achieve these goals, measures that have proved effective at later stages of the disease can also be implemented early in the course of the disease. Movement therapy is of particular importance, and so are thermo- and electrotherapeutic interventions. Combined with adequate pharmacotherapy, established physiotherapeutic procedures can have a positive influence on the course of this disease.