Scoliosis

The signs and symptoms of Scoliosis include:

• The appearance of one shoulder or hip being higher than the other, or more rounded
• Pain may be present on prolonged sitting
• Pain may occur with weight bearing or twisting activity
• Stiffness in the spine, loss of flexibility (can effect the hips and legs)

Scoliosis physiotherapy is advised when the patient experiences unnatural back pain while performing day-to-day tasks. Since this condition is commonly diagnosed in adolescents and in children, please seek advice when your child exhibits any symptoms or experiences any pain potentially related to scoliosis.

Scoliosis can occur secondarily to either postural reasons (muscle imbalance or postural faults) or structural (due to the development process of your spine).

There some common factors that result in scoliosis for most patients:

• Genetics: Some cases of scoliosis can be genetic. If both parents have scoliosis, there is a higher chance that their child will also develop it.
• Lack of exercise: The lack of exercise can cause an imbalance in muscle strength and posture - sometimes leading to scoliosis.
• Mechanical factors: Mechanical factors, such as uneven weight distribution, poor posture, or even sitting with poor posture for extended periods can lead to scoliosis.

Scoliosis physiotherapy treatment is a proven and successful remedy for scoliosis. One of the prescribed physiotherapy procedures is the Schroth Method, a form of physiotherapy developed and used to specifically treat scoliosis. The Schroth Method of physiotherapy focuses on strengthening the muscles around the spine, which can help correct or prevent curvature of the spine and improve posture and breathing patterns. Dr. Katharina Schroth created this methodology in the 1920s - most of which are still used to this day.

The methods used for managing scoliosis includes:

• Referral for an X-ray to assess the degree of scoliosis. This will determine the Cobb angle of your spine and will be used to asses your progress
• Staying active as advised by your Physiotherapist
• Commencing a postural strengthening and stretching program (for both types of scoliosis) as advised by a Spinal Program Specialist
• Rest from aggravating activity (no prolonged sitting/slouching) and learning strategies for school/study
• Taping from your Physiotherapist to improve your spine's posture in the early stage. Learn how to correct posture of how to unload your back and relive some muscle spasm if it exists as well as providing feedback on how to use your muscles correctly
• Placing a lumbar roll behind your back while sitting: we recommend placing it vertically behind the shoulder blades