June 27, 2022

Does Physical Therapy (PT) Help Scoliosis?

When someone has scoliosis, the body has a pattern that is affected by the spinal rotation which is driving the curve. The spine is going to be a little more limited in some areas than others. Even though scoliosis is driven by a spinal rotation, the human body moves because of the muscles surrounding the joints. If left unaddressed, the curve pattern will tend to make certain muscles over work, and other muscles at a disadvantage. Therefore, scoliosis PT plays such an important role in helping scoliosis.

One of the things I love about Huntsville is all the Land Trust trails. Have you ever noticed there is clearly one area on the trail that is more worn down? Did you notice that where the trail is worn tends to be the path you take? You can go off the trail, but it takes more effort. The body is kind of similar in the way we have certain movements we just don’t even think about. Our body just does it. This is such a great thing our brain does so we can be freed up to think about other things. So, when someone has scoliosis, the body has a pattern that is affected by the spinal rotation that is driving the curve. The spine is going to be a little more limited in some areas than others. Even though scoliosis is driven by a spinal rotation, the human body moves because of the muscles surrounding the joints. If left unaddressed, the curve pattern will tend to make certain muscles over work, and other muscles at a disadvantage. Therefore, scoliosis PT plays such an important role in helping scoliosis. In some situations, a brace is also indicated to reinforce the body position away from where the curve pattern is trying to pull it. Scoliosis specific PT is training the sleepier muscles to do their job and share the load with the over workers. We take that basic concept and apply it in several different ways to help your brain establish a new pattern. The pattern that won’t let the body move further into the asymmetry.

There are many different types of curves so that’s the part where it can get more complicated. My job is to evaluate the movements, combined with a clinical exam and X-rays to create and individualize the plan for your specific curve. Scoliosis is most often identified during the ages of 11-15. So much growth happens during those adolescent years that it is crucial to get started with a scoliosis specialized PT as soon as possible.

The most common signs that may suggest scoliosis or need for a PT assessment include:

-One shoulder higher than the other

-One side of the rib cage sticks out more than the other (most noticeable in a forward bend)

-Pelvis appears shifted more to one side

-The indentation of the waist is more curved on one side, but straight on the other

(These are not always apparent with a shirt on, so it is important to check without loose fitting clothes)

If you notice any of these signs or already know you have scoliosis but weren’t aware of your treatment options, call or schedule through our website for an evaluation. If you would like to know more about scoliosis and the Schroth approach, you can also email hollyw@focus-physio.com.

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