Scoliosis Physiotherapy: How targeted Exercises Correct a Curved Spine

Why do we use physiotherapy?

Scoliosis develops and progresses by following Stoke’s Vicious Cycle. 

What approaches are there to scoliosis physiotherapy?

Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis Specific Exercises (PSSEs) are incorporated into an array of different scoliosis physiotherapy methods, including but not limited to:

• Schroth – This method uses stretches, exercises, breathing techniques and, usually, various pieces of equipment to target the muscles around the spine and ribcage to correct spinal abnormalities in all three planes of the body.
• Functional Independent Treatment for Scoliosis (FITS) – This method consists of two stages: the detection and elimination of myofascial restrictions, and the development of new corrective posture patterns in everyday activities.
• Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis (SEAS) – This method involves a specific form of auto-correction (active self-correction) of the curvature(s) in all three planes that is individualised to each patient, which is then complemented by stabilisation exercises that focus on neuromuscular control, proprioception, and balance.

 

At Scoliosis SOS, we have acknowledged the varying research, as well as the limitations of each method, in order to create a gold standard approach, taking the very best from each method to create ScolioGold.

How does it work?

Within our ScolioGold approach, we use a range of physiotherapeutic methods to target scoliosis, in accordance to our 5 main principles. 

1. Body/Postural Awareness is introduced by educating patients around their individual curve patterns and physical presentations, to increase understanding of the purpose of each exercise.  
2. Axial Elongation is the first step in terms of centralising the posture, and it involves making the spine as long as possible using postural techniques and exercises, which helps to reduces muscular imbalances. This also contributes towards; 
3. De-flexion, which is where a variety of corrections are made to open up the concavity of the curve. 
4. De-rotation exercises target the prominences created by the curve as the vertebrae rotate inwards towards the mid line of the body. Finally, 
5. Isometric Tension is used to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine in the corrected posture, to make it easier to maintain them in day-to-day activities. 

 

What other methods are used?

Aside from postural correction, we strive to relieve pain that may be associated with scoliosis in our patients. Manual therapy techniques including, but not limited to, dry needling, myofascial release, mobilisations, and assisted stretches, are used in conjunction with the principle-based exercises to create an in-depth treatment plan for our patients. Some of these methods actually target both goals of pain and curve reduction. For example, de-rotational mobilisations elongate the spine and aid with pushing the prominences into a more central position, whilst assisted stretch can push the spine to centre whilst helping to open up the concavity of the curve as pictured.

How can I get started?