If you or someone you know is suffering from scoliosis, you may be wondering if physical therapy is the right solution. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the benefits of physical therapy for scoliosis. Physical therapy can help to improve your mobility, posture, and overall quality of life. It can also help to prevent the further progression of the disease. If you are considering physical therapy as a treatment option for scoliosis, please read on for more information!
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What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is defined as a sideways curvature of the spine that measures 10 degrees or more when viewed from the back. The majority of scoliosis cases are mild, but some can be more severe. This condition can occur at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in children between the ages of 10 and 15. It is a condition that is more common in girls than boys. There are several different types of scoliosis, but the most common is idiopathic scoliosis, which means that the cause is unknown. Although scoliosis can be a very debilitating condition, it is important to remember that it is not life-threatening.
What Are The Types Of Physical Therapy Uses For Scoliosis?
There are various types of physical therapy:
Aquatic therapy
This type of therapy uses the support of water to help relieve pressure on the spine and improve the range of motion. For example, patients may do stretching exercises while floating in a pool.
Manual therapy
Physical therapists use their hands to manipulate the spine and improve range of motion. For example, they may use traction to stretch the spine. This can help relieve pain and improve mobility.
Posture training
People with scoliosis often have poor posture, which can lead to further spinal deformity and pain. Physical therapists can teach you how to stand and sit correctly to improve your posture and reduce pain.
Strengthening exercises
Strong muscles help support the spine and improve posture. Physical therapists can design a strengthening program specifically for people with scoliosis. Stretching exercises can help straighten the spine and improve the range of motion.
Cardiovascular conditioning
This type of exercise helps build endurance and strengthens the heart and lungs. It’s especially important for people with scoliosis who have respiratory problems. For example, swimming is a great cardiovascular workout.
Exercise
A physical therapist will create an individualized exercise program to help improve muscle strength and flexibility. It includes a variety of exercises, such as stretching, that can help reduce pain and improve the range of motion.
It is an important part of scoliosis treatment. A physical therapist will create an individualized exercise program to help improve muscle strength and flexibility. The exercise program may include a variety of exercises, such as stretching, that can help reduce pain and improve the range of motion.
Education
It is important to learn as much as possible about scoliosis, and a physical therapist can provide valuable information about the condition. They can also teach patients how to perform exercises and stretches properly, which is crucial for maintaining good posture and preventing the progression of the curve.
Electrical stimulation
This therapy uses electrical currents to help reduce pain and inflammation.For instance , if someone has scoliosis and is experiencing pain in their back, electrical stimulation can help to reduce that pain.
Ultrasound
This therapy uses sound waves to help reduce inflammation. It can also help to reduce pain. For instance, a recent study found that ultrasound therapy was effective in reducing pain for people with scoliosis.
Heat therapy
This therapy uses heat to help reduce pain and inflammation. It can also help to increase blood flow to the area. Heat therapy may be used before physical therapy exercises to help the muscles loosen up. Examples of heat therapy include:
- Heat pads or wraps
- Infrared light therapy
- Whirlpool therapy
Cold therapy
This therapy uses cold to help reduce inflammation and pain. It can also help to decrease swelling. For example, cold therapy may be used after scoliosis surgery to help with pain and swelling.
Massage
This therapy uses touch to help reduce pain and inflammation. It can also help to increase blood flow to the area. For people with scoliosis, massage can help to reduce the curvature of the spine.
If you have mild scoliosis, your doctor may recommend that you try wearing a brace. A brace can help to hold your spine in alignment and prevent the curvature from getting worse. If you have moderate to severe scoliosis, you may need to undergo physical therapy or surgery.
What Are The Benefits Of Physical Therapy For Scoliosis?
There are many benefits of physical therapy for scoliosis, including:
Improve range of motion
Physical therapy can help improve your range of motion, making it easier to perform everyday activities. For instance, you may be able to reach items on high shelves or tie your shoes more easily.
Improve posture
Physical therapy can help improve your posture, helping you to stand up straighter and look and feel better. For instance, if you have scoliosis, you may be able to improve your posture by doing physical therapy exercises that focus on strengthening the muscles in your back and abdomen.
Improve flexibility
Physical therapy can help improve the flexibility of your spine, making it less likely to curve further. For example, the side-bending and rotational stretches in the Schroth method may help lengthen and align your spine.
Improve muscle strength
A common goal of physical therapy for scoliosis is to improve the strength of the muscles that support the spine. This can help reduce the number of curves in the spine, as well as improve posture and decrease pain. For example, exercises that focus on strengthening the abdominal muscles can help take pressure off the spine and improve posture.
Decrease pain
Physical therapy can help decrease the pain caused by scoliosis. Physical therapy can help relieve the pain associated with scoliosis. For example, massage, heat, and electrical stimulation may be used to help relax the muscles and ease the pain.
Improve mobility
Physical therapy can also help improve mobility. For example, exercises may be used to improve range of motion and flexibility. This can help make it easier to perform activities of daily living.
Support the spine
Physical therapy can help support the spine. This can help prevent the progression of scoliosis. For instance, physical therapy can help improve posture. This is important because poor posture can contribute to the development of scoliosis.
Thus, by improving posture, physical therapy can help slow the progression of scoliosis.
Thus, these are the benefits of physical therapy for scoliosis. If you or your child has scoliosis, consider seeking out a physical therapist to help manage the condition.
Conclusion
It may be concluded that physical therapy for scoliosis is beneficial in many ways. It can help to improve the range of motion, flexibility, and strength in the affected areas. It can also help to reduce pain and improve the overall quality of life for those who suffer from this condition. If you or someone you know is suffering from scoliosis, consider seeking out a physical therapist to see if this form of treatment could be right for you.
Physical Therapy help patients recover from pain. If you’re experiencing Back pain, Shoulder pain, Knee pain, Neck pain, Elbow pain, Hip pain, or Arthritis pain, a physical therapist at MantraCare can help: Book a physiotherapy session.
