How can physical therapy help someone with scoliosis?

Idiopathic scoliosis is an atypical curvature of the spine, and we aren’t sure what causes it. Many think of scoliosis as a C or an S curve, but there is actually a rotational component to it as well.  If you have scoliosis, you should be followed by an orthopedic doctor. You should also have a physical therapy evaluation, but not just any kind of physical therapy evaluation.

There is a specific type of physical therapy, commonly referred to ask Schroth PT, that is specifically meant for scoliosis.  Other common names include patient specific scoliosis exercise and Rigo Concept. So the evaluating physical therapist should have training in this type of therapy. 

When it comes to scoliosis, there is a lot that we don’t know. Some curves progress, some curves improve, and some curves stay the same. However, we do know that there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood that a curve will worsen, such as age, degree of curvature, and how much growing a person has left. The idea behind Schroth therapy, is that it reduces the risk of curve progression. It helps the person understand strategies on how to hold their spine in a more midline position, and it teaches them a home exercise program which needs to be done daily.  Schroth PT can improve posture and even reduce or eliminate back pain. 

Schroth is not something to be done in replace of bracing or seeing an orthopedic doctor. Many times, the mix of multiple interventions is what people need in order to prevent a curve from progressing.

Every child and teenager with scoliosis should have at least an evaluation by a physical therapist trained in the Schroth method.  The physical therapist can then determine the appropriateness of teaching a Schroth program.

If you have further questions, or need an evaluation. Please reach out! I’d love to help you!