The effects of the Mulligan concept in ankylosing spondylitis: a report of two cases

Introduction/Aims The first complaint in ankylosing spondylitis is usually sacroiliac joint pain and morning stiffness. Aside from inflammation, sacroiliac joint pain is related to joint damage and mechanical stress. Many different methods are applied in the treatment of sacroiliac joint pain. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sacroiliac joint mobilisation on pain, function and mobility in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Methods Two patients presented with sacroiliac joint pain: a 46-year-old male and a 34-year-old female. Both patients received eight sessions of mobilisation with movement, according to the Mulligan concept (sacroiliac joint mobilisation and mechanical correction). Sessions were held at 4-day intervals over a 28-day period. The patients were assessed for sacroiliac joint mobilisation immediately before and after the first session and their pain, function and mobility were assessed at the second and eighth sessions. Findings A decrease in pain and increases in functional performance and mobility were noted in both cases at the end of eight sessions. Conclusions Sacroiliac joint mobilisation might be effective in improving pain, function and mobility in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Further studies should be conducted with an increased number of participants to confirm these findings.