Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a painful, progressive, rheumatic disease. It mainly affects the spine but it can also affect other joints, tendons and ligaments. Other areas, such as the eyes, lungs, bowel and heart can also be involved.

NASS (National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society) is a nationally based support organisation for sufferers of the disease, with branches throughout the UK.  The principal aim of these branches is to organise a weekly, self-help exercise class, supervised by  physiotherapists who have been trained in the treatment of AS.

The Edinburgh branch meets on Monday evenings in the Physiotherapy Dept. of the Western General  Hospital. Exercises in the hydrotherapy pool, which are optional, commence at 7.00 pm (attendees should arrive around 6.50 pm) and last for 30 minutes; these are followed by exercises in the gym which last for a further hour.

To attend these classes, you should have been diagnosed as suffering from AS; at your initial attendance, you may be assessed by the physiotherapist in charge to ascertain your fitness to participate. The weekly subscription is £3.00 which can either be paid on the night or by a voluntary monthly Standing order; there is no charge at the first attendance.