Scoliosis

There are different types of scoliosis: idiopathic, neurological, and congenital. In children, the most common type is idiopathic scoliosis, the cause of which is unknown. Idiopathic scoliosis affects more females than males.

Signs and Symptoms

• Uneven shoulders: one shoulder appears higher than the other
• Winging of one shoulder blade
• Uneven hips: one hip appears higher
• Rib sticks out
• Too much spinal curve or flat back
• Leaning to one side when standing
• Abnormal gait: decreased arm swing

Management

A conservative approach for children with idiopathic scoliosis is bracing and scoliosis-specific exercises. Adults with pain secondary to scoliosis can also benefit from scoliosis-specific exercises to decrease their pain and improve their posture.

What Can Physical Therapy Do?

The Schroth method, developed in Germany in the 1920s by Katerina Schroth, is a series of exercises that are used to correct the spine in three dimensions. The SEAS approach (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis), developed in Italy in the early 1960s, is also a three-dimensional approach to help improve the patient’s awareness, and to self-correct the spine.

Physical therapists certified in the Schroth or SEAS method can help by:

• Teaching the patient a series of exercises that will improve body awareness
• Educating them on how to avoid positions that will increase their curves or prominences
• Helping them to strengthen their core
• Helping them improve tidal volume and gait training
• Teaching the patient methods of improving posture

Want to Make an Appointment?

Talk to your physician and ask for a prescription for scoliosis. Once you have the prescription, call Saint Peter’s Physical Rehabilitation Services Department at 732.565.5455 to schedule an appointment.

Please wear comfortable clothing to your appointment and bring current x-rays or other related diagnostic exams. Your initial evaluation will be one hour long. Subsequent appointments will be one-on-one with the physical therapist and 30 minutes long.