Physical Therapy for Scoliosis Pain
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine develops an abnormal curve, which may be either symmetrical (C-curve) or asymmetrical (S-curve). The severity of your curve depends on its bend; typically diagnosed when an X-ray shows 10 degrees or more on its side or through physical examination.
Scoliosis may cause a variety of symptoms, such as back pain and stiffness in the affected area. These are usually due to an unnatural curvature around your spinal cord that creates discomfort on one side of it or nearby. The pain may be localized within the curve itself or spread beyond it into adjacent regions.
Treatment for scoliosis involves a combination of treatments known as scoliosis physical therapy. These therapies aim to restore normal alignment and movement of the spine while also increasing mobility and function throughout other parts of the body.
A physical therapist can craft a treatment program specifically tailored to your individual needs and objectives. They utilize various treatments techniques such as strength training, range-of-motion exercises, and manual therapy to achieve desired outcomes.
They can help strengthen your core and other muscles that support the spine, as well as restore motion to joints and muscle groups restricted by scoliosis. Furthermore, they will teach you scoliosis-specific movements which promote healthy spine alignment and function.
According to the type of scoliosis you have, a physical therapist may perform spinal mobilization to loosen any tight or stiff muscles in your spine that could be contributing to symptoms. They may also prescribe exercises which improve posture, reduce pain and slow down the progression of your scoliosis.
If your scoliosis is severe and the curvature is worsening, you may need a brace to hold the spine straight. This helps prevent further bends in the spine and may avoid surgery to correct it.
Your scoliosis physical therapist will collaborate with your medical doctor to determine the most suitable brace for you. They may also suggest other forms of treatment that could be beneficial for your condition, such as ice therapy or heat therapy.
Within a few sessions, you should begin to notice an improvement in your scoliosis pain. This will motivate you to continue attending appointments and make progress toward reaching your objectives.
Before booking an appointment with a physical therapist, be sure to inquire about their special certification in treating scoliosis. You can search for physical therapists near you with these credentials and clinical expertise on FindaPT, created by the American Physical Therapy Association.
It is essential that you begin scoliosis physical therapy as soon as possible. Without treatment, symptoms may worsen and it’s better to wait until the curve becomes too serious to ignore.
Scoliosis physical therapy doesn’t have to be painful. In fact, most people don’t even feel any discomfort from it unless their spinal curvature causes muscle imbalances and dysfunction elsewhere in their body.
