Management of Scoliosis
Straight and flexible spine is the key to good posture, efficient movement and comfort and is an important aesthetic requirement for an intact and integrated body image.
Unfortunately, there are conditions which can affect spine shape, and therefore biomechanics of movement, posture, can cause pain, provoke distorted body image (Aesthetic consequence) and even exacerbate cardiopulmonary conditions. Commonly, this condition is called Scoliosis; although people not familiar with medical terminology, may not know that there are different types of curvatures needing different treatment approach.
Scoliosis is a side to side curvature of the spine, which can appear in any part of it (lower and upper back, neck and sacral bone) and may be with or without rotational component. It can have 2, 3 or even 4 curves, and each of the case requires different management. It is crucial to understand that scoliosis is an asymmetrical condition most often requiring asymmetrical management (specific asymmetrical exercises and manual techniques). Of a great importance is diagnosing the type of scoliosis (structural or non-structural, curve type and site) using radiographs and several tests during physical examination. Correct classification determines duration and complexity of the management.
In several cases, spinal fixation surgeries are offered, and whiles in moderate to severe curvatures this could be an option, not all of the curves can be and must be corrected surgically. Alternative method is an intensive physiotherapy rehabilitation, which can help to slow down curvatures increase, improve upright posture of the body and significantly reduce pain associated with scoliosis. According to systematic review published by Fusco et al 2011, specific exercises program ‘has capability to treat scoliosis in terms of mobility, improving Cobb’s angle, strength and balance’.
Kyphosis and Lordosis are other conditions, which may co-exist with scoliosis or can be present on their own. Lordosis is an increased lower back curvature is often associated with lower back pain, fixed posture and a potential cause of degenerative changes in the spine and disc. People with lordosis suffer from increased tension in lower back muscles and decreased tone in lower abdominal muscles. On the contrary, kyphosis is increased upper back curvature, which can cause mid-back pain, compromise effective breathing by putting pressure on lungs and heart, and cause neck, shoulder pain and headaches. Often, people are either not aware of their spine condition they have, or are not aware of the activity, that can potentially detrimental to it like bad posture at work, wrong exercises ect. For this reason, postural education, postural awareness and specific exercise prescription are crucial part of management in our clinic.
In A-Z PHYSIO HEALTH full assessment is conducted using specific form designed to assess scoliosis only. We offer you full postural assessment in standing and sitting, including sitting at an office desk, paying particular attention to your working chair alignment. Using specific criteria, our physiotherapist will conduct whole body assessment, analyze it and prescribe a program designed only for you. The program often includes specific exercises and stretches small gym equipment such as ball, weights, elastic bands ect., which can be accessed by patient in non- clinic environment so that the exercise can be continued at home. Whilst creating opportunity to reproduce exercises at home with small equipment, on site A-Z PHYSIO HEALTH offers modern, state-of- art equipment used by Clinical Pilates specialist worldwide. It can be adopted specifically for patients to correct the spinal curvature, when sufficient progress has been achieved.
A-Z PHYSIO HEALTH uses combination of well- researched and proven Schroth method, Clinical Pilates, Specific Breathing exercises and Stretching (Spiral Dynamics), which will maximize your potential of improving your spinal curvature. At A-Z PHYSIO HEALTH we also pay great attention to manual therapy, particularly in the initial stages, when manual muscle release and joint mobilization can help to maximize the exercise potential.
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