Physical Therapy For ScoliosisStrive Physical Therapy in Philadelphia, Trenton & Surrounding Cities
People suffering from scoliosis can benefit greatly from physical therapy treatment. Physical therapy treatment for scoliosis will differ in children vs adults. For adults, scoliosis treatment involves strategies to achieve muscle balance around the spine. This includes physical therapy exercises for scoliosis including stretching and strengthening. PTs will also help to improve alignment of the hips, shoulders, and spine.
If your scoliotic curve meets a certain criterion, you may need a brace for your back. Your Strive physical therapist has experience treating scoliosis and will develop a treatment plan that fits into your lifestyle.
What Causes Scoliosis?
Scoliosis of some degree impacts around three percent of people in the United States. A diagnosis of scoliosis means the spine curves abnormally sideways instead of front to back. While people with a few degrees of curvature may have no symptoms, people with severe curvatures will need surgeries and bracing to live a more functional life.
Idiopathic scoliosis is scoliosis without a definite cause and is the most common form. Scoliosis can also be present at birth (congenital scoliosis) due to developing in a small space in the womb or as a result of another condition like cerebral palsy.
Exercises & Treatment For Scoliosis
Scoliosis treatment will involve stretches, strengthening, and methods to adjust daily activities. In most cases, patients who need surgery or bracing should complete physical therapy before and after to achieve muscular balance. Physical therapists will help set up an exercise program to stretch and strengthen muscles surrounding the abdomen, back, hips, and legs. This will likely include breathing exercises to improve how the ribs and spine function together. These strategies will help achieve good alignment and ensure that muscles are functioning the same on each side of the body.
How A Physical Therapist Can Help Scoliosis
When searching for “physical therapy for scoliosis near me” end your search at our Strive PT location. Our therapists are trained extensively in anatomy of the spine and the muscles and joints that allow it to function. Pain occurs due to muscle tension and poor joint alignment. PT should begin as early as possible in people with scoliosis to give muscles and joints the best chance to achieve balance and relieve pain. Children especially should see a physical therapist to help correct the strength of the postural muscles as soon as it is detected so they can grow healthily. If you or someone you know has scoliosis, make sure to prioritize physical therapy in the treatment plan!