How Physical Therapy Can Help Scoliosis

1-2 % of the population in the United States is diagnosed with scoliosis, which is an “s” or “c” shaped curve in the spine. This changes the alignment of the spine and creates abnormal posture. Often, an individual is diagnosed as an adolescent which is called Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis meaning that it develops but the origin is not known. Scoliosis can also develop later in life due to degenerative changes in the spine due to age. Scoliosis can range from mild to severe. If the curve progresses than it starts to affect lung function and quality of life and surgery to fuse the spine is required. Many times, an individual is diagnosed with scoliosis but the curve is not significant for a surgical intervention. Bracing is often offered, but many adolescents are not compliant with the 23 hour a day wearing schedule. This leaves patients with limited options left to manage their scoliosis and they can develop Posture Dysfunction, low back pain, and/or respiratory problems.

Physical therapy is an effective tool for scoliosis that can help reduce curve progression, delay or prevent surgery, improve posture, and improve lung function. Those with scoliosis have an asymmetric posture due to the curve of the spine. Physical therapy helps identify the asymmetries and strengthen or stretch the appropriate muscles in order to restore an aligned posture. Physical therapy treatments also focus on rib mobility and deep breathing to help with respiratory function.

Our Physical Therapists have personal experience with scoliosis and are trained to assess scoliosis and abnormal movement patterns. We have a first-hand understanding of what it’s like to rehabilitate from a spinal fusion or use physical therapy to reduce pain and improve spinal alignment.

Our Physical Therapists create a program that is specifically tailored to the individual’s curve where we aim to:

• Improve core strength
• Provide hands-on manual therapy
• Stretch the tight muscles
• Strengthen the weak muscles
• Reducing and eliminating pain so that you can return to functional activities

Our patient’s spend a full 60 minutes with a licensed Physical Therapist, which we believe is so important for rehabilitation and providing the best care possible.

Questions about your diagnosis of scoliosis? Give us a call or send us a text.

We would be happy to do an evaluation and discuss your diagnosis.