Scoliosis is an abnormality of the spine that leads to a C-shaped or S-shaped curvature of the spine. The spine is not straight as it’s supposed to be instead is curved to one or both sides.
Scoliosis is a relatively painless condition; however, pain may be present if the irregular curvature of the spine stresses the surrounding muscles and joints. These alterations may change an individual’s posture, movement patterns and alignment that may lead to irritation and pain. In scoliosis, muscles that normally maintain the spine become imbalanced which leads to flexibility and strength loss. An individual with scoliosis may notice the following:
- Irregular shoulder height
- Irregular hip height
- Irregular waistline
- An overall sense of the two sides of the body doesn’t line up
- Pain is present in areas around the spine, which includes the hip, shoulder, and pelvis
- Pain during a particular activity or movement
Can Physical Therapy Improve Scoliosis?
The key objectives of physical therapy are to assess the condition of a person, to help in rehabilitating and maintaining mobility so that a person can function normally.
The range of treatment plans for scoliosis comprises bracing, physical therapy or surgery. Identifying the best form of treatment is centered on the kind and how severe the scoliosis is, the age of the patient and the recognized guidelines of the Scoliosis Research Society.
Denver physical therapists can offer care at any phase of the scoliosis treatment, like during bracing or post-surgery. Therapists will assess and evaluate the whole body’s movement and posture, observe any restrictions caused by spine changes and resolve symptoms like muscle imbalances and pain.
Physical therapists can work with you and your kids to create a personalized plan designed specifically on the severity of your condition. Your doctor will continue to monitor your progress carefully through the whole duration of the rehabilitation process.
Physical therapy treatments include the following:
- Education
- Modalities
- Strength Training
- Functional Training
- Manual Therapy
- ROM exercises or Range-of-Motion Exercises
If you’re interested in learning more about how a physical therapist can help relieve your scoliosis symptoms, call Denver Physical Medicine & Rehab today at 303-757-7280.
Ready for an expert opinion? Get in touch today!
Discover how physical therapy can help manage scoliosis in mild to moderate cases, along with other ways it offers healthcare solutions. Learn more from Dr. Mansi Dua, DPT, C2 Schroth Certified.
