How Physical Therapy Helps Ankylosing Spondylitis?? Working on posture and range-of-motion exercises with a skilled PT can reduce your pain and other symptoms, keeping you active and enjoying life. Even though medications provide much relief from AS symptoms and could even slow down its progression, physical therapy can be a valuable part of your ankylosing spondylitis care. Physical therapy components, like stretching, exercise, improving posture, and even strategies such as selecting the right mattress and workplace chair, focus in on your specific needs to improve your quality of life.