Scoliosis refers to a condition with an abnormal sideways spine curvature, often resembling an ‘S’ or ‘C’ shape, and its severity varies depending on the individual. This is not always a cause of concern and may go unnoticed or cause few symptoms.
On the other hand, serious cases of scoliosis can cause bothersome symptoms such as chronic backache, breathing problems, and an unusual appearance. Physiotherapy is considered to be an effective way to manage mild scoliosis by correcting side shifts, improving coordination and control, and building endurance and strength. In this blog, we will examine how can physiotherapy help scoliosis.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an umbrella term for a musculoskeletal condition that can impact the normal curvature of the spine of people of all backgrounds and ages. It is usually diagnosed during childhood or teenage years. Still, some mild cases are also observed, which may not be picked up until later in a person’s lifespan due to generative spine changes.
Many factors, including age and gender, can trigger the development of scoliosis. Cases of scoliosis may vary from mild to quite severe in intensity; hence, the treatments for the condition may also vary. In comparison to males, females are more likely to advance to a curve magnitude that requires medical treatment.
What Are the Causes & Symptoms of Scoliosis?
Idiopathic scoliosis, one of the most common type of scoliosis, may have some genetic component as it tends to be hereditarian. Other kinds of scoliosis may be caused by spinal cord abnormalities, previous surgery on the chest wall as a baby, congenital disabilities affecting the spine, cerebral palsy, or an injury or infection on your spine. Symptoms indicating scoliosis in children and adolescents may include:
- Uneven shoulders
- More prominent ribs on one side
- Uneven hips
- Uneven waistline
- One shoulder blade that sticks out more than the other
How Can Physiotherapy Help with Scoliosis?
While treatment of scoliosis depends on its severity, physiotherapy may be an effective way to manage its symptoms and improve spinal health. It aids by strengthening muscles that support the spine, improving flexibility, and preventing excessive strain. Treating mild scoliosis may require physiotherapy combined with postural corrections to slow down curve progression and relieve tension.
Moderate scoliosis may require bracing to prevent worsening, but physiotherapy helps maintain mobility and strength during this process. Even in severe cases, physio for scoliosis can help in managing pain and recovery, regardless of whether surgery is needed or not. Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for scoliosis & working with an experienced physiotherapist gives you the resources you need to achieve lasting relief. Here is how can physiotherapy help scoliosis in detail:
Correcting Side-Shift
Scoliosis often causes the body to tilt to one side, causing an imbalance that affects movement and posture. Physiotherapy helps bring back better alignment by retraining the body to use muscles more evenly. By working on muscle engagement and postural awareness, physiotherapy gradually reduces the tendency to lean or shift, making everyday activities such as walking and standing feel more balanced and natural.
Improving Coordination and Control
Scoliosis can make movements feel unsteady or awkward, as it affects how muscles work together. Physiotherapy helps reconnect the brain and body, improving muscle coordination and making movements more balanced and smoother. With better balance and control over the body, everyday activities, including bending, walking, standing, and reaching, feel easier. Over time, this helps the body move more naturally, decreasing unnecessary strain on the spine.
Increasing Endurance and Strength
Scoliosis can make certain muscles in the body weaker, causing feelings of unusual tiredness and discomfort, especially after staying in a standing or sitting position for long periods. Physiotherapy helps strengthen these key muscle groups so the spine gets better support. As endurance increases, it becomes easier to stay active for longer periods without feeling worn out. With a stronger body, movements feel more controlled, decreasing stress on the spine and making daily life more enjoyable and comfortable.
Improving Breathing Function
In more advanced cases of scoliosis, the curve in the spine is pressed against the ribs, making it more difficult to take deep breaths. Physiotherapy helps alleviate this discomfort by improving posture and loosening up tight muscles around the chest, enabling the lungs to expand more freely. Even small improvements in breathing can make a big difference in energy levels & overall comfort. By maintaining good spinal flexibility, physio for scoliosis supports better respiratory function, making it easier to go about daily activities without feeling short of breath.
Slowing Curve Progression
Physiotherapy does not cure scoliosis but can help slow its progression by keeping the spine as strong and stable as possible. By strengthening the muscles that support the spine & improving posture, physiotherapy helps relieve the unnecessary pressure on the spine, preventing strain. This may help prevent the condition from worsening over time and make movement feel more natural and comfortable.
Reducing the Need for Back Surgery
In certain cases, physiotherapy can help delay or even eliminate the need for surgery by keeping the spine more flexible, thereby reducing pain. By improving the strength, balance, and posture of the spine, it helps prevent the spine from curving more than it already has. If surgery is needed, physiotherapy before the operation can help make recovery easier by preparing the body for the changes ahead. After surgery, physiotherapy also helps restore movement and strength.
Pain Reduction
Many individuals with scoliosis have chronic pain because their spine is under constant strain. physiotherapy for scoliosis helps by releasing tension in tight muscles in and around the spine, and improving posture. This helps make the body move in a more balanced way. This not only reduces pressure on the spine, but it also makes it easier to sit, stand, move, and engage in daily activities without discomfort. Over time, many people find that they can manage their pain better and go about their daily routine with less restriction.
Conclusion
Living with scoliosis can be challenging. The ultimate goal of physiotherapy for scoliosis is to decrease the discomfort and improve overall comfort. It helps decrease pain and maintain mobility by strengthening muscles, improving posture, and increasing flexibility. While it may not help scoliosis go away, it can slow its progression and even lessen the need for surgery. With the right guidance and commitment, physiotherapy can empower individuals to move with comfort and ease in their daily lives.
