By using a unique combination of treatment methods, we are able to offer an unparalleled level of treatment success. We’re always looking to develop this method, and we have recently been in the process of incorporating some new techniques into the ScolioGold programme.

This new technique is called dry needling, and today we’re going to give a brief description of what this treatment method actually entails.

Dry needling is a relatively new technique with roots in Western medicine. It was devised by two doctors (Janet Travell and David Simons) in the 1940s when they put a theory of theirs into practice and inserted injections into hyper-irritable points in the muscle in order to reduce sensitivity and relieve pain. Following that, Dr Kavel Lewit concluded in 1979 that this pain relief was primarily caused by the needle itself and actually had nothing to do with the medication being injected at the site of the pain. Since then, dry needling has been used as an effective means of treating knots (also known as trigger points) in the muscles of the human body. 

A ‘knot’ in the muscle can be caused by numerous different factors, such as overuse, poor muscle positioning, or trauma. Knots restrict blood supply to the affected part of the muscle, which means that there is a decreased supply of oxygen as well as an increase in metabolic waste and toxins in that area. This causes abnormal function of the muscle which ultimately results in pain, discomfort, and/or stress on the surrounding area. 

Dry needling works by inserting a small, dry needle (less than 9/100th of the size of a medical syringe) into the trigger point in the muscle with the aim of eliciting a twitch response. A twitch response causes the muscle to ‘jump’, after which the muscle relaxes. Dry needling is not a treatment modality on its own, but it can be effective as part of a holistic treatment programme; it is therefore essential that you complete your exercises and stretches as advised by your physiotherapist in conjunction with the needling therapy for optimal recovery.

When you suffer from scoliosis, the muscles surrounding your spine become imbalanced. This results in some of the muscles being overused while other muscles become smaller and contracted from under-use. In both instances, trigger points are likely to form in these muscles. Dry needling of these muscle groups can be effective in reducing some of the muscle imbalances prior to exercise therapy in order to achieve the best results from treatment. 

While there seems to be a prevalent idea that all non-surgical scoliosis exercise and therapy programmes are the same, this is simply not the case, particularly with regards to the ScolioGold method we have developed here at our clinic. In order to illustrate this in greater detail, we thought it would be a good idea to share an in-depth comparison of our treatment programme with another non-surgical treatment method, using CLEAR as an example.

Let’s start with the CLEAR method:

CLEAR treatments are practised by chiropractors who have been specifically trained in this method. They use a variety of equipment tables, wobble chairs and vibrations to ‘loosen up the muscles’. This is then followed by a series of spinal adjustments, and finally, the use of a traction chair to hold the body in the correct position.

CLEAR does not involve postural correction or strengthening, and is split into a standard plan (for those who are able to make regular visits) and an intensive plan (for those who are travelling to receive treatment in a shorter space of time). These plans are based solely on Cobb angle reduction, and not the presentation or symptoms of the patient.

This treatment has not yet been tested over a long period of time, and often Cobb angles ‘spring back’ after an initial course of treatment using this approach.

ScolioGold is practised by trained, specialist physiotherapists, and is a hybrid of treatment and exercise techniques gathered from all over the world. The treatments have been in use since the early 1900s, and have been modified in accordance with the latest scoliosis research. The programme is tailored to include a combination of hands-on therapy, scoliosis-specific strengthening, stretching exercises and group therapy, in order to achieve the best overall package of care. It also teaches patients how to hold a corrective posture and strengthen muscles to help support this.

What are the aims / targets of ScolioGold?

ScolioGold is a holistic treatment approach that focuses on patient goals, pain reduction, improved function, cosmetic appearance, and Cobb angle reduction (it can also be used very effectively to help patients who have had spinal surgery). There is no limit to the number of sessions patients may attend, as it is viewed as a long-term treatment approach and care plan for a lifelong condition. Ergonomic assessments, pedoscans and insole fitting are also provided to optimise posture and back health.

The ScolioGold method is continually monitored and developed with the latest scoliosis research in order to ensure continual improvement. Patients are also provided with advice and an exercise plan that allows them to maintain their results at home.

If you suffer from scoliosis and you are somewhat familiar with acupuncture, you may be considering using it to help with your condition. After all, if acupuncture helps to ease back pain, then surely it can help with your spinal condition?

In today’s blog post, we will take a look at what this treatment entails and how it might be used to help scoliosis sufferers.

Here at Scoliosis SOS, we have spent a number of years developing our sophisticated ScolioGold treatment method, to ensure that you receive an unrivalled level of treatment success, that is not available anywhere else. The Schroth Method has been an essential part of our non-surgical treatment process since our clinic first opened, and remains a vital aspect of our treatment programme. 

Unfortunately the Schroth Method has its limitations, so we have combined this treatment approach with an array of other scientifically-proven and established techniques, in order to ensure that every aspect of each patient’s condition is fully addressed. 

One such technique is the FITS Method, which stands for Functional Independent Treatment for Scoliosis. This method usually consists of an individually adjusted programme of exercises, depending on the degree of spinal curve and following a clinical examination of a patient.

The FITS Method consists of two stages, the detection and elimination of myofascial restrictions, and the construction of a series of new corrective posture patterns in everyday activities. The FITS method is an individually tailored therapy, which can be used on patients of any age, with varying degrees of Cobb Angle. It is required that patients take an active part in the process of therapy, by ensuring that they maintain their correct posture in everyday activities, be it at the work desk, or at home watching television.

In scoliosis treatment, the main aim is to correct the primary structural curve in three planes, which is why we include the FITS method in our ScolioGold programme. As previously mentioned, the technique has been thoroughly researched and scientifically proven, which means that each patient can be assured that they are in safe and experienced hands when receiving their treatment. 

One of the techniques included in our ScolioGold programme is the SEAS method. SEAS stands for Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis, and it’s an approach that was first developed in Italy during the 1990s. SEAS is a specific form of auto-correction (active self-correction) that’s taught individually to each patient. This is then complemented by stabilisation exercises that focus on neuromuscular control, proprioception and balance.

The SEAS method is the result of research efforts by ISICO (Istituto Scientifico Italiano Colonna Vertabrale), Italy’s largest network for the treatment of spinal conditions. The method is a special type of energetic self-correction and the exercises implemented through SEAS are intended to train the neuromotor function to stimulate a self-corrected posture during the activities of daily life. The exercises that are included in this method help to prevent further deterioration of the patient’s spine, and since they are very simple, they can be applied in any location with minimal use of external support or equipment.

The reason why we include the SEAS method in our treatment programme is because it is a very active correctional technique and allows patients to minutely control their muscles without reliance on complicated exercises. Many of our patients are intimidated by the prospect of going through spinal surgery to treat their condition, as surgery can limit ease of movement, and there is also a high risk that the patient may experience considerable pain post-operation. For these reasons, SEAS and ScolioGold often prove to be a viable alternative treatment choice for scoliosis and hyperkyphosis patients facing spinal fusion surgery.

As with all of the methods included in our ScolioGold programme. SEAS has been thoroughly researched and scientifically proven, so you can rest assured that you are in safe hands when receiving treatment here at the Scoliosis SOS Clinic.

If you would like to learn more about the methods included in our ScolioGold treatment, please click here. To book an initial consultation, or you have any questions or queries about our non-surgical treatments, get in touch today.