Scoliosis Exercise and Rehabilitation

Specific Exercise and Physical therapy

Specific scoliosis exercise and physical therapy programs and can play an important role in scoliosis treatment. Traditionally some had had the opinion that “physiotherapy and exercise does not work for scoliosis”.  In some respects this is true, general physiotherapy, exercises or programs of Pilates and Yoga have been shown not to stop scoliosis progression of scoliosis.  These treatments may however
help things such as pain or flexibility.

Specific scoliosis exercise and rehabilitation programs have been developed that have been shown to stop and slow progression of scoliosis in cases where the curve of the scoliosis is less than 25 degrees and in some cases in combination with bracing. The program that is used in ScoliCare Clinics is called ScoliBalance.

ScoliBalance®

ScoliBalance is a physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercise (PSSE) program used to treat scoliosis and kyphosis in children, adolescents and adults. The program combines the most relevant practices and principles in physical therapy, chiropractic and exercise rehabilitation for a 3D approach to managing scoliosis, tailored to each individual patient according to their curve type, symptoms and treatment goals.

The ScoliBalance concept was created by Dr. Jeb McAviney (Chiropractor) drawing on his clinical experience treating scoliosis using a combination of Chiropractic Biophysics, SEAS^ and Schroth* (BSPTS) techniques. ScoliBalance builds on the foundation of other PSSE programs focusing on aspects that are most effective and achievable for patients to learn and implement. The program is delivered in accordance with the SOSORT** guidelines.

In cases of a progressive idiopathic scoliosis where the curve is greater than 20 degrees, scoliosis specific exercise  is usually used in conjunction with brace treatments.

How can ScoliBalance work?

ScoliBalance can be used as part of a complete approach to care for patients with scoliosis or kyphosis.  It may assist to:

  • Slow down/stop curve progression
  • Aid in the reduction of flexible scoliosis curves
  • Improve coronal and sagittal balance
  • Complement brace wear to help maintain the correction achieved with bracing
  • Improve muscular balance and spinal flexibility
  • Improve posture and body appearance
  • Reduce pain
  • Improve standing balance and reduce fall risk in older adults.

Scoliosis specific exercise can play an important role in scoliosis treatment

Research has shown that when scoliosis specific exercise has been used in conjunction with bracing it has improved the results of hard bracing. In this case the exercise helps to strengthen the muscles being weakened by the brace and keep the spine flexible. When physical therapy is not used with hard bracing any correction achieved during the time of bracing is usually lost within 24 months of finishing brace treatment.

It is important to understand that only specialised exercise and rehabilitation programs specifically designed to treat scoliosis have been shown to make improvements.

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