What is Scoliosis?

February 27th, 2023
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What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is defined as a lateral curvature of the spine. The spine has normal forward and backward curvatures, however a curvature toward the side can give rise to pain, difficulty breathing, weakness, and more. There are different levels of severity of scoliosis. In the more mild cases, there is no need for surgical intervention. In the more severe curvatures, there is often a need for surgical intervention. If you have or think you have scoliosis, your local physician is able to obtain an X-Ray to determine the severity. 

How Can PT Help?

Physical therapy has proven to be beneficial in mild cases as well as severe cases of scoliosis. A recent study on the effectiveness of physical therapy in treating scoliosis has shown improvements in:

  • Pain scores of the low back and shoulder
  • Chest expansion
  • Range of motion of the low back and shoulder
  • Muscle strength of the low back and shoulder (Athawale, 2021)

What Will PT Consist Of?

At physical therapy we will perform a multitude of techniques to reduce pain while increasing range of motion and strength. These include manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, therapeutic exercise, modalities, and brace wearing education to maximize your outcomes. By addressing the core asymmetries, a program will be tailored to your specific needs to get you either back to your favorite activities or trying something new.

How Do I Start?

If you are experiencing low back pain due to scoliosis, contact the Respire PT Team today by phone at 703-671-1871 or click here to request an appointment with a Physical Therapist. Let us help you get back to your favorite activities and be the best you!

References

  • Athawale V, Phansopkar P, Darda P, et al. (May 26, 2021) Impact of Physical Therapy on Pain and Function in a Patient With Scoliosis. Cureus 13(5): e15261. doi:10.7759/cureus.15261

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