Did you know that many people look to physiotherapy for scoliosis? Scoliosis affects up to nine million Americans (around 2% – 3% of the population). It has its onset in childhood, but the first signs become visible around the ages of 10-15. Parents will notice that their child’s posture appears a little crooked, with one shoulder higher than the other.
The traditional methods for correcting scoliosis involve, among others, wearing restrictive braces and go as far as having surgery. At Specific Care Chiropractic, we have an alternative, non-invasive solution: physiotherapy for scoliosis.
What Causes Scoliosis?
Most of the patients who opted for physiotherapy for scoliosis came to us with a diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis – that is, the causes are unclear. Despite intensive and invasive tests, the underlying cause of their scoliosis remains unknown for healthcare specialists.
The other three types of scoliosis diagnosed by doctors are:
- Congenital scoliosis – the spine problems occur while the spine of the fetus is developing
- Neuromuscular scoliosis – caused by various conditions (cerebral palsy, spina bifida) or by a traumatic spinal cord injury
- Degenerative scoliosis – mostly seen in adults and caused by the wear and tear in the disk and the joints between the vertebrae.
However, no matter what causes this condition, all patients can benefit from physiotherapy for scoliosis and reach an improved quality of life.
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Types of Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a progressive condition. Left untreated, it will become increasingly acute and will affect the patient’s life, limiting their ability to perform regular activities. Some patients may suffer from:
- Shortness of breath, as the angle of the spine pushes into the lungs,
- Severe and debilitating back pain
- Shifting of the entire upper body out of balance, as one side becomes significantly higher than the other.
Scoliosis has three phases:
Mild
The Cobb angle (curvature of the spine) is less than 20 degrees. In this phase, the condition can be corrected solely with physiotherapy for scoliosis.
Moderate
The Cobb angle is 40-45 degrees. In this case, a combination of exercises and wearing a medical brace is recommended.
Severe
The Cobb angle exceeds 45 degrees. In this phase, surgery is the main corrective approach, followed by physiotherapy for scoliosis.
The Chiropractor’s Approach to Improving the Life of Patients with Scoliosis
Before recommending a course of treatment, the chiropractor will evaluate the current state of the spine, including:
- The rigidity of the spine
- The sensorimotor integration (how well the brain sends messages to the rest of the body)
- The duration of treatment until the patient reaches their goals.
In cases of severe scoliosis, the chiropractor will refer you to a reputable orthopedic surgeon. After successful recovery from the surgery, you may still benefit from physiotherapy for scoliosis as a means to strengthen your muscles and maintain a correct posture.
As for physiotherapy for scoliosis, it usually involves:
Corrective Care Exercises
Corrective care exercises have the purpose of relieving pain and any negative symptoms which occur after chiropractic adjustments or surgery. The patient is constantly monitored and, whenever an undesired side effect may appear, the physician will introduce specific corrective care treatments to address them.
Massage Therapy
Massage professionals at Specific Care Chiropractic are trained and licensed to practice specialized massages which:
- Help relieve pain
- Reduce muscle spasm
- Regain muscle and joint flexibility
- Improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.
Exercises to Improve Muscle Tone and Posture
Physiotherapy for scoliosis also involves a series of exercises. Some of them require a physician’s supervision. However, after a period, our chiropractors will teach the patient a series of exercises that they can safely do at home.
Physiotherapy for scoliosis also includes Schroth exercises. These are a series of exercises aimed at improving posture. Patients are taught how to consciously maintain a correct posture during everyday activities. By practicing these exercises, the patient’s abdominal, back and leg muscles become stronger and more capable to support a correct posture throughout the day.
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Stand Tall and Proud With Physiotherapy for Scoliosis
At Specific Care Chiropractic, we know that scoliosis hurts both your body and your self-esteem. The visible shift in your upper body hurts just as much as the actual pain you experience as the deformed spine pushes your rib cage, muscles and internal organs out of their normal position.
With chiropractic adjustments and physiotherapy for scoliosis, you will be able to regain a correct posture, stop being in pain and be able to perform all the usual activities with ease.
We invite you to get an initial evaluation by one of our experienced chiropractors in one of our clinics in:
- Fort Myers, FL
- Cape Coral, FL
- Coral Springs, FL
- Leigh Acres, FL.
