woman with scoliosis examined by physical therapist

Scoliosis and Postural Rehabilitation

What Is Scoliosis

Idiopathic Scoliosis is a disorder of the shape of the Spine during it's growth in adolescence. It causes or not know, although there have been several suggestions about it's etiology. Scoliosis is treated consvervatively, unless the condition is severe, Cobb angle more than 45o, that is referd for surgery. Conservative treatment consist of bracing and Physical Therapy. The main Physical Therapy interventionis a structured exercise program that creates "muscle bracing" that will eventually correct the shape of the spine. In yound patiens with Scoliosis, muscle atrophies and imbalancinces are usually observed.

The Symptoms of Scoliosis

Idiopathic Scoliosis has symptoms such as :

  • Change in the shape of Spine during growth
  • Spine pain syndrome
  • Respiratory disorders
  • Worsening symptoms
  • Functional restrictions
  • Difficulty partitipating in sports
  • Poor psychology due to the shape of the body
  • Deterioration of quality of life

Risk Factors for Scoliosis

Although there aren't any know risk factors, muscle atrophies and imbalancies are observed in young patients. It is believed that genetic factors may be responsible for Scoliosis.

What if I do not treat Scoliosis

Scoliosis, if not treated properly and early, causes symptoms such as :

  • Chronic pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Functional restrictions
  • Poor psychology
  • Quaity of life deterioration
  • Worsening shape until surgery is inevitable

How Can Physical Therpy Help

Physical Therapy is essential for treating Scoliosis. Pain is treated with specialised massage therapy, then a structured exercise program is prescribed, that builds a "muscle bracing" to achive postural correction. Interventions applied :

A structured exercise program for Scoliosis includes :

  • Deep muscles of the spine strengthening
  • Rotators strengthening
  • Lateral flexors strengthening
  • Symmetry exercises
  • Respiratory exercises
  • Core exercises
  • Aerobic program

Did you have surgery for Scoliosis ?

Physical Therapy can help you maximize the benefits of a surgery.Together with Physical Therapist Mr. Danalis you will customise your rehabilitaion, so that post-surgery pain is addressed quickly, and with exercise your body will once again be strong and with full range of motion.

For Postural Rehabilitaion Contact PhysioDanali today for expert consultation.

References

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