Stretches for your daily life

Some simple stretches to weave into your day

The information on this page is for anyone with axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA), including people with ankylosing spondylitis.

When you’re living with pain and fatigue it can be hard to make time to do your daily stretches. You don’t always have to put on your trainers or go to the gym to stretch. Exercises can be fitted in around work, childcare or other commitments.

Together with a group of specialist axial SpA physiotherapists called AStretch we have developed a series of short videos that show you how to weave your stretches into your daily life. They include safely moving from lying to sitting and from sitting to standing. There are also videos showing you stretches for the sofa, kitchen, dining table and bathroom.

Morning Stretches

In the morning you can feel stiff and in pain. These are some gentle stretches you can do in bed.

Arm stretches

An easy way to stretch your shoulders and arms throughout your day.

The 6pm stretch

At the end of your day it’s important to take time for yourself and allow your body to relax. This video shows you how.

Man sat on sofa

Sofa stretches

Stretches you can fit in while you’re relaxing on your sofa.