Scoliosis is a backbone abnormality in which the spine becomes laterally curved sideways. The condition can be hereditary. It usually does not require treatment until people cannot live with it.

If the condition is detected early, physical therapy is the best treatment for scoliosis. Here are the answers to some of the questions asked about pt for scoliosis.

Physical therapy for scoliosis FAQs

 

What kind of physical therapy is done for scoliosis?

Physical therapies are of different types. No one physical therapy fits all. In scoliosis, the Schroth method is the most commonly used physical therapy. Given the needs of each patient, the Schroth method aims to de-rotate, stabilize and elongate the spine through customized exercises. It uses a 3D approach to address the issue as the scoliosis backbone looks S- or C-shaped from different directions.

Schroth’s method uses three approaches: achieving muscular symmetry, using a breathing technique to rotate the spine, and using mirrors to develop an awareness of the posture in the patient.

How long is physical therapy for scoliosis?

The length of physical therapy for scoliosis highly depends on the severity of the problem.

If detected early, physical therapy can benefit sooner. A patient attending pt for scoliosis once or twice a week can start to witness benefits within 4 to 6 weeks (a month and a half). Each session is about 40 to 45 minutes.

Furthermore, the degree of the curve determines the length of physical treatment. For instance, less than 20-degree curvature can be corrected by mild exercises, whereas a more than 50-degree curve may require bracing, rigorous physical therapy, and surgery.

What is the most effective treatment for scoliosis?

Physical therapy is the most effective treatment for scoliosis as it is a non-invasive and natural treatment. The patient does not need to undergo any surgery or take medications. Moreover, physical therapy or physiotherapy is best recommended for any muscular or spinal issues.

What is the fastest way to get rid of scoliosis?

The fastest way to get rid of scoliosis is bracing. Just like braces are used to align teeth, scoliosis braces keep your posture in check and slowly correct the curvature of the spine. Bracing, when accompanied by pt for scoliosis, gives the fastest results.

There are three types of scoliosis braces:

• The Boston brace

It is a plastic jacket body that covers most of the upper and lower back. It is also considered one of the most effective braces in scoliosis.

• SpineCor brace

It uses plastic bands covering most of the upper body straight from the neck to the legs. The crisscross patterns of bands keep the body posture in check.

• Genisgen brace

These braces are shaped like one-side shoulder tops. Made from German technology, the Genisgen brace has various advantages over the Boston brace.

Can a physical therapist help with scoliosis?

A physical therapist is a right person to help with scoliosis. However, pt for scoliosis should be performed by an experienced physical therapist. Depending on the degree of your curve and the severity of the problem, you should first consult a physical therapist for scoliosis treatment in McAllen before making up your mind.

A physical therapist you consult should know at least one of the two therapies for scoliosis: the Schroth and/or SEAS methods.

Can physical therapy make scoliosis worse?

No, physical therapy does not make scoliosis worse, provided an experienced physical therapist conducts the physical therapy. Just specializing in treating back pain does not make a physical therapist a scoliosis physical therapist. A Schroth-certified physical therapist should be looked for pt for scoliosis.

Is chiropractic or physical therapy better for scoliosis?

A chiropractor optimizes the spinal cord structure to ease pain in muscles and joints. Thus, chiropractic won’t correct the curvature of the spine but only helps ease the pain in scoliosis.

On the other hand, physical therapy works on eliminating the curvature and straightening the spine through exercises and other methods. For this reason, choosing physical therapy over chiropractic is a wise decision.

How do I straighten my scoliosis spine?

To straighten your scoliosis spine, you can perform several exercises like cat and cow stretch, pelvic tilt, arm/leg raise, and so on. However, depending on the degree of the curve (Cobb angle), you should first consult a scoliosis physical therapist and not perform exercises without their guidance.

Scoliosis Treatment in Rio Grande Valley (McAllen, Mission, Weslaco)

The best scoliosis treatment in Rio Grande Valley is physical therapy. If the cobb angle is more than 50 degrees, physical therapy coupled with braces is the best and fastest way to treat scoliosis.

Not only effective for scoliosis, but there are over 20 diseases treated by physical therapy. Physiotherapy has its benefits, which can be applied to treating scoliosis. XO physical therapy has physical therapy clinics in Mission, Rio Grande, Weslaco, and McAllen. Book an appointment today for a physical therapy treatment of scoliosis!