What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition that affects the normal shape of the spine, altering a person's overall trunk alignment and posture. Scoliosis causes the spine to move to the side and turn. This condition can occur at any time during the lifespan, but is more commonly detected during adolescence. Scoliosis affects 2% to 3% of the general population, and is more common in females than males. Scoliosis ranges from mild to severe cases, requiring a variety of treatments. The more severe cases may require surgery. Scoliosis is best managed with a team approach that includes the family, orthopedic physician or surgeon, orthotist, and physical therapist.
Congenital scoliosis is caused by a deformity in the bones of the spine that occurs during a baby's early development in the womb.
Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by a medical condition of the nervous system, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, which triggers weakening of the muscles that support the spine.
The cause of early onset scoliosis is not known. Early onset scoliosis includes infantile scoliosis diagnosed from birth to 3 years of age, and juvenile scoliosis diagnosed before the age of 10.
How Does It Feel?
Scoliosis is usually a pain-free condition, but pain may occur as the spine curves abnormally and affects the surrounding muscles and joints. These changes may alter a person's alignment, posture, and movement patterns, causing irritation and pain. Muscles that usually support the spine may become imbalanced in scoliosis, leading to a loss of strength and flexibility. A person with scoliosis may note:
Uneven shoulder height.
Uneven hip height.
An uneven waistline.
A general sense that the 2 sides of the body don't line up.
Pain in the areas surrounding the spine, including the shoulder, pelvis, and hip.
Pain with specific movement or activity.
A primary goal of physical therapy is to identify conditions, such as scoliosis, help the individual restore and maintain mobility so they can function at their personal best, and improve their quality of life.
How Can a Physical Therapist Help?
Physical therapists can provide care during any of the phases of scoliosis treatment, including bracing or post-surgery. They will evaluate and assess the posture and movement patterns of the whole body, noting any limitations caused by changes in the spine, and address other symptoms, such as pain and muscle imbalances.
Physical therapy treatments may include:
Range-of-Motion Exercises. Your physical therapist will design a gentle range of motion treatment program to prevent limitations or to increase the body's range of motion, if movement limitations are present.
Strength Training. Your physical therapist will design a treatment program to strengthen any muscles surrounding the spine or in other parts of the body that have been weakened by the change in the spine’s position, such as the hips, shoulders, or even the head and feet.
Manual Therapy. Physical therapists are trained to gently restore motion to joints and muscle tissue that may have become restricted due to scoliosis. They may use their hands to help guide and retrain movement patterns.
Modalities. Several additional treatments, such as ice, heat, electrical stimulation or ultrasound may aid in achieving physical therapy goals. Your physical therapist will choose the most appropriate modalities for your particular case.
Functional Training. Physical therapists are trained to be experts in assessing movement patterns, providing education on proper movement patterns, and retraining the body for optimal movement.
Education. Your physical therapist will provide information about scoliosis and the effects on the body and movement.
Can This Injury or Condition Be Prevented?
Scoliosis cannot be prevented. Research is ongoing regarding treatments to stop the progression of scoliosis, such as bracing. A recent study has demonstrated that bracing is effective at limiting the progression of spinal curves. The primary goals of physical therapy are to manage symptoms and maximize each individual's functional capacity. A team approach to treating scoliosis works best.
What Kind of Physical Therapist Do I Need?
All physical therapists are prepared through education and clinical experience to treat a variety of conditions or injuries. You may want to consider:
A physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with orthopedic or musculoskeletal injuries, or who is experienced in pediatrics.
A physical therapist who is a board-certified specialist, or who has completed a residency in orthopedic or pediatric physical therapy will have advanced knowledge, experience, and skills that apply to an adolescent, particularly in the athletic population.
A physical therapist who has received advanced training in scoliosis-specific exercises.
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