Scoliosis Physical TherapyPhysical Therapy in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Gonzales & Surrounding Cities

Physical Therapy for Scoliosis

Physical therapy is a valuable treatment strategy for people with scoliosis. There are several scoliosis treatment strategies that are useful for activating specific muscles to lessen the degree of abnormal spinal curvature. These treatment strategies will differ in children and adults. When scoliosis is severe, patients may need surgical correction, bracing for the spine, and physical therapy to reinforce more normal postures. Your physical therapist will educate you on how your spinal curvature affects your mobility and what movements to avoid. Physical therapy will include scoliosis treatment exercises to increase range of motion and strength around the spine, hands-on therapy to train safe movements, and task specific practice to allow you to succeed in your goals!

What Causes Scoliosis?

Scoliosis represents a disorder where the spine is curved sideways along its path. It is very common, occurring in approximately three percent of the United States population. The spine actually rotates a bit with the curvature as well, which results in weakness and tension in the muscles that attach to the spine. The most common cause is called idiopathic scoliosis, which people typically develop after age 10 and before reaching adulthood. Other types of scoliosis begin at birth or are a result of a neurological condition such as cerebral palsy. People with moderate to severe scoliosis may experience muscle pains and aches. Mild scoliosis can be detected by uneven shoulder or hip height in school aged children. It is important for children and adolescents with any severity of scoliosis to get treatment early on to avoid progression.

Exercises for Scoliosis

The best physical therapy treatment for scoliosis involves guiding you to bracing if you would benefit from this and introducing postural exercises to restore muscular balance around the spine. Your physical therapist will help to strengthen the areas around your spine including your abdomen and back muscles, shoulders, hips, and lower extremities. They will help to stretch the areas that are tight and guide you on a home program for gaining strength and flexibility in your body. Your physical therapist may use a strategy called the Schroth method, which involves breathing exercises to reduce the rounded areas around your spine and restore balance in the area.