Your physical therapist can work with you to strengthen muscles that support your spine and improve your postural awareness.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is defined as an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
There are many causes of scoliosis, and it may affect anyone at any age.
It occurs in between 2% to 3% of the population.There are different types of scoliosis.
They can assess your condition and diagnose your problem.
This will make your ribs on one side of your back more prominent while bending.
This “rib hump” is a tell-tale sign of scoliosis.
If your healthcare provider suspects scoliosis, they will likely take an X-ray.
Others have a “C” curve where the lumbar and thoracic spine curve in one direction together.
As your spine curves laterally, the vertebra rotate slightly.
Many patients with scoliosis also have straightening of the thoracic spine.
Cobb angles may range from 10 degrees (mild) to more than 60 degrees (severe).
There are many treatments available for scoliosis.
Mild cases may simply require watchful waiting and exercise.
For moderate curves of more than 20 degrees, bracing may be used.
Physical therapy orchiropractic careis often recommended.
People with severe cases of scoliosis may require surgery to stabilize their spine.
Many people with mild or moderate scoliosis benefit from physical therapy to help manage their condition.
They will review your past medical history, and make note of any medication you are taking.
If you have a brace, bring that as well.
After the interview, your therapist will take various measurements.
After your physical therapist has gathered information about your impairments,goal settingand treatment can begin.
Common goals for scoliosis may include:
Physical therapy treatment for your scoliosis may begin during the initial appointment.
Most likely, your physical therapist will instruct you in a home exercise program that can be done daily.
This exercise program will augment the things that you do in the PT clinic for your scoliosis.
The goal of the brace is to prevent further curvature of your scoliosis.
This may help prevent the need for surgery.
This means that you should sleep in the brace and go through your day in the brace.
The brace can be removed for bathing and for activities where it may be an impediment to movement.
you’re free to still play sports if you have scoliosis.
Most practitioners recommend you remain as active as possible.
Your healthcare provider can determine when that is via a simple X-ray.
Plus, many of them have not been proven to be effective in treating pain from scoliosis.
Still, your therapist may offer these treatments, so it’s important to understand them.
The most important treatments for your scoliosis are self-care postures and exercises.
PT Scoliosis Exercises
Exercise should be a daily part of your life if you have scoliosis.
The goal of exercises for scoliosis is to:
Exercises will not necessarily decrease or reverse your scoliosis curve.
Do not perform any exercise for your scoliosis unless advised by your physical therapist or healthcare provider.
One popular method of scoliosis specific exercise is theSchroth method.
How Long Should Physical Therapy Take?
Your physical therapist can work with you to develop the right follow up plan for your specific condition.
Prognosis
For most people, the diagnosis of scoliosis means lifelong management.
If your curve progresses to greater than 50 degrees, surgery may be considered to help stabilize your spine.
Be sure to work closely with your healthcare provider and physical therapist to understand your specific situation and prognosis.
If left unchecked, surgery may be required to prevent significant spinal deformity and loss of function.
That way, you could engage in lifelong management of your condition and enjoy your work and recreational activities.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Scoliosis.
Comparison with the Boston brace.Spine J.
2017;51(3):191-196. doi:10.1016/j.aott.2017.01.002
