Romanowski MW, et al. – Researchers conducted this small, randomized clinical pilot study to compare the effectiveness of deep tissue massage (DTM) and therapeutic massage (TM) in the management of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. They suggested that for treating ankylosing spondylitis patients, massage could have clinical benefits. In this area, additional scientific research was warranted.

• The researchers enrolled 27 men with diagnosed AS.
• They randomly assigned subjects to DTM group or TM group.
• In each group, subjects had 10 sessions of massage.
• For this study, outcomes included the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Modified Schober Test, Finger to Floor Test, chest expansion, and pain intensity of lower back.

• Except for BASDAI and pain intensity of lower back, no statistically significant differences were observed between groups.