NASS supports health professionals with a range of downloadable and hard copy resources.
We are continually improving and expanding our information resources. If you would like to receive free information or order any materials from NASS please complete our online form at the bottom of this page.
Portsmouth AS Course - July 2013
AStretch (www.astretch.co.uk) have announced new dates for their course "Ankylosing Spondylitis: Physiotherapy Assessment & Management Workshop". This will take place on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 July 2013. This course is open to all physiotherapists who either work with a NASS branch and/or have an interest in AS.
Deadline for applications is Friday 28 June 2013. The cost of the 2 day training will be £180 per person (not including accommodation and travelling expenses). All applications for the course should be sent directly to:
Claire Jeffries
Email: Claire.jeffries@solent.nhs.uk
Tel: 02392 286583
Download course flyer and application form
Meeting-in-a-Box
This is is a CD-ROM which includes all the resources for you to run a successful Back Pain Seminar in your area. The Seminar aims to improve understanding of inflammatory vs. mechanical back pain in primary care and increase appropriate referrals to rheumatology. Read more about what is available here. You can call the NASS office on 0208 9489117 to get a copy of this CD-ROM.
Back in Focus
There are still spaces available on the AbbVie sponsored Back in Focus event which covers the new developments in spondyloarthritis. It is running on Friday 7 June 2013 between 10:00-17:00 in Manchester. Register online at www.manchester.backinfocusmeeting.co.uk using the password axialSpA2013.
The first module in a series of educational guides on inflammatory back pain, ‘Differentiating inflammatory and mechanical back pain`, compares the key features of mechanical and inflammatory back pain and contains guidance and information to assist healthcare professionals in distinguishing inflammatory back pain in patients. A new guide to axial spondyloarthritis will be available soon.
AS News
A twice yearly newsletter for people with AS providing the latest information on the research, treatment and management of AS. AS News is free of charge to health professionals - put your name on the mailing list by completing the form at the bottom of the page.
Bath Indices
The set of measurements used to assess disease activity in patients. Click here to read more.
Standardising the Bath AS Metrology Index (BASMI): a DVD guide on how to carry out these measurements accurately.
Produced by Liz van Rossen MCSP, Extended Scope Practitioner in Rheumatology Physiotherapy, East Kent Hospital University Trust.
Downloadable fact sheets
A range of fact sheets on medical and lifestyle issues to help people with AS better understand and manage their condition.
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Anaesthesia & AS: An introduction to anaethesia and potential difficulties for people with AS
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Pilates: An explanation of Pilates and what to be aware of with your AS
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Tai Chi: An introduction to Tai Chi and the benefits of this kind of exercise if you have AS
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TENS Machines :The effectiveness of TENS machines with AS
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Uveitis (also known as iritis) for health professionals: Symptoms and treatments for uveitis
Leaflets available to order (A5)
Please use the form below to order copies of our new A5 size leaflets on AS.
- Driving and AS: Safe driving, the DVLA, Forum of Mobility Centres, the Motability scheme and the Blue Badge scheme.
- Fatigue and AS: What causes fatigue in AS and how it can be managed
- Uveitis and AS: Symptoms of uveitis and treatments
Exercise for AS
Exercise is not just a useful addition to the management of AS. It is one of the cornerstones of treatment. Exercise helps in the maintenance of flexibility and good posture and also assists with pain management and wellbeing.
- Back to Action: A guide to exercising safely in the gym (pdf version). You can also buy a printed, spiral bound version in the NASS shop
- Back to Action App: We have now been able to produce an App for iPhones, iPod touches and iPads which you can download completely free of charge from the Apple Shop
- Fight Back: Our exercise DVD aimed at people with more advanced AS who want to exercise at home. It includes 6 exercise programmes with 35 individual exercises and contains hip safe exercises
- NASS offer regular physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions to people with AS through its network of branches
For physiotherapists: AStretch is a group of physiotherapists from around the UK that meet to improve the understanding of AS and offer training courses.
Guidebook for patients
The guidebook for patients is a practical introduction to the treatment and management of ankylosing spondylitis with useful advice on living and working with AS.
Click here to view a copy online; or complete the order form below to receive free copies of the guidebook for your clinic.
Helpline cards for patients
NASS now have handy business-card sized Helpline cards to handout to patients. Order using the form below on contact the office on 020 8948 9117.
NASS branch network for hydrotherapy and physiotherapy
There are over 80 NASS branches providing regular physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions throughout the UK. Click here to view the list of NASS branches in the UK.
If you are interested in setting up a branch in your area please contact Maddy Randall, our Branch and Policy Development Manager on 020 8948 9117 or by email for information and assistance.
