Scoliosis

How Does Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapy is helpful for restricted joint mobility and decreased muscle strength in the same areas, both before and during recovery from surgeries. A physiotherapist helps find solutions for discomfort caused by sedentary work and other musculoskeletal issues.

If possible, bring your test results with you. Exercises are easier to perform when wearing comfortable sportswear.

Overview

Scoliosis, or lateral curvature of the spine, is a postural disorder characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature and rotation of the spine. Small curvatures are considered normal asymmetries. A diagnosis is confirmed only when the curvature angle exceeds 10 degrees according to the Cobb scale. The most common form is S-shaped scoliosis, meaning there is a curve to one side in the upper back and a curve to the opposite side in the lower back.

Symptoms

In scoliosis, various changes occur in the shape of the spine, ribcage, and torso, as well as in body posture. In the early stages of the condition, symptoms indicating scoliosis may not be visually apparent. The manifestation varies depending on which part of the spine is curved. However, on external examination, the following signs may indicate scoliosis:

Shoulders and shoulder blades are positioned at different heights
The head is not aligned with the body's midline
The waist is asymmetrical
One side of the pelvis is higher than the other
The body leans more to one side
One side of the body appears to be positioned ahead of the other
Unequal apparent length of arms and legs
Ribcage arches are visible at different heights from the front view
In advanced cases, severe ribcage deformity may cause breathing difficulties and heart failure

When bending forward, the back is not symmetrical. Due to spinal rotation, changes in the thoracic area cause a rib hump, and deformation in the lumbar region leads to a muscle bulge (a muscle that appears larger).

In addition to external signs, scoliosis can cause back pain, persistent discomfort in the back, and difficulty maintaining a single posture. In pronounced thoracic scoliosis, the breathing pattern becomes asymmetrical, meaning that during inhalation the chest does not expand evenly and the lungs are forced into an abnormal position.

Causes

The majority of scoliosis cases are of idiopathic origin, meaning the cause is unknown.
Less common causes of scoliosis include:

Risk Factors

Age – Scoliosis most commonly develops during rapid growth spurts when the spine is developing, and the problem can progress quickly until skeletal maturity. However, this postural disorder can occur at any age.
Gender – For minor curvatures, the ratio between girls and boys is relatively equal, but larger curvatures are more common in girls.
Genetic predisposition – Idiopathic scoliosis may have a genetic predisposition, but not always. If there is a family history of scoliosis diagnosis, parents are advised to pay closer attention to their child's posture during growth periods.
Postural causes – Acquired scoliosis during life may result from habitual poor posture, for example, in the work environment.

Treatment Options

In scoliosis, early diagnosis, correction of existing curvatures, and prevention of their progression are crucial.

The treatment of scoliosis is determined based on the angle(s) of curvature seen on X-rays:

Curvatures up to 10 degrees: the patient is kept under observation.
Curvatures up to 20 degrees: scoliosis-specific physiotherapy is added.
Curvatures between 20 and 40 degrees: bracing treatment and physiotherapy are prescribed.
Curvatures over 40 degrees require surgery.

It is never too late to treat scoliosis. Scoliosis-specific physiotherapy can yield good results even in older age, focusing on relieving possible symptoms such as pain, breathing difficulties, or low exercise tolerance.

With specific breathing techniques, it is possible to improve mobility in restricted ribs and expand the less ventilated parts of the lungs.

A custom-made rigid brace is worn 23 hours a day until the curvature stabilizes, usually about 2–3 years.

Surgery provides a good cosmetic effect. Screws and rods are used to straighten the curvature and stop its progression, but the spine becomes rigid. Full recovery after surgery takes between 0.5 to 2 years, and a revision surgery may be necessary.

Regular physical activity and exercises help strengthen back muscles and slow down the progression of spinal curvature.

Prevention

Congenital and neurologically caused scoliosis cannot be prevented. However, with timely and proper intervention, scoliosis can be effectively managed. It is important to monitor the posture, body alignment, and lifestyle of children and adolescents. Adequate physical activity and sports play a crucial role.

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scoliosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350716

Christa Lehnert-Schroth. Three-Dimensional Treatment for Scoliosis. The Martindale Press, 2007.

sosort.org

Clients

Feedback

“On olnud vägagi tõhusad füsioteraapiaseansid. Edasiviiv arutelu ja palju soovitusi harrastussportlase targemaks vigastustevabaks treenimiseks!”

“Katrel on põhjalikud teadmised jooksuvigastustest. Minu vigastust ja selle teket analüüsides, sain häid soovitusi nii varustuse vahetamiseks, taastavateks harjutusteks, kui ka jooksutrenni järgseteks harjutusteks, mis on taganud selle, et asfaldil ka pikamaid distantse joostes (sh võisteldes), pole valu enam tagasi tulnud.”

Olen käinud seal alates aastast 2021 ja vastuvõtt on alati meeldiv olnud. Kohtasin seal enda lemmikut füsioterapeuti Anastassia Šipilovat, kelle käed teevad (ja aju) imesid. Olgu mure tingitud ülekoormusest, vigastusest või lihtsalt ennetamine, she knows the magic.✨✨ Peale õlaoperatsiooni pani ta mu käe jälle liikuma ja olen tagasi ratta seljas. 🙂 Soovitan Füsioteraapia Kliinikut väga!

“Katre on väga suurte teadmistega ning füsioterapeudina äärmiselt toetav ja põhjalik. Mulle meeldib tema suhtumine, et sporditraumadest on võimalik taastuda ning saab ja tulebki sportimisega jätkata. Lisaks traumade füüsikalistele põhjustele “kontrollib” ta alati üle ka muud baasteemad – une, koormuse, taastumise, toitumise.”

Kõik väga meeldis alustades sisse tulemisest personaal oli väga lahke ja vastutulev. Mina isiklikult käisin Anastassia Šipilova juures millega jäin väga rahule, on näha, et Anastassia läheneb väga individuaalselt ja on enda ala proff.

Käisin visiidil nädala kestnud põlvevaluga. Katre tegi kohe põhjaliku ülevaatuse (testis mobiilsust ja potentsiaalseid vigastusi) ning diagnoosis potentsiaalse probleemi. Edasi tegime erinevaid harjutusi ja määrasime paika raviplaani. Harjutused filmis ta ka üles, et oleks hiljem hea järele vaadata ning saatis mulle koheselt ka videod. Lõpetuseks kinesioteipis ta põlve (lisaks juhendas, kuidas saan seda tulevikus ise teha) ja andis kaasa ka treeningupaela harjutuste tegemiseks. Väga põhjalik, professionaalne ja meeldiv kogemus!

Põlve meniskioperatsioonist taastumine füsioterapeudi Anastassia juures oli väga efektiivne, süstemaatiline, stressivaba ja viis stabiilse eduni. Anastassia optimism, teadmised ja isiksuseomadused ei anna edasi mitte ainult usku, et taastumine on täielik ja ilma jääkpiiranguteta, vaid ka tunnet, et see nii ongi. Soovitan Anastassia juurde kindlasti pöörduda, kui teil on vaja taastuda operatsioonist, vigastusest või lihtsalt nõu saamiseks, püüdes vältida negatiivseid muutusi igapäevaelus või sportides.

About Us

Füsioteraapia Kliinik OÜ is a company established in 2011, whose specialists are recognised Estonian sports physiotherapists.

The clinic’s specialists help find solutions to various musculoskeletal system problems, whether it’s pain limiting daily activities or sports, decreased muscle performance, restricted joint mobility, or other issues.

In practice, the most common reasons for consulting a physiotherapist are muscle tension, pain in the lower back and neck area, as well as painful shoulder and knee joints.