Scoliosis is a side curvature of the spine which impacts adults in various ways, ranging from mild discomfort to chronic pain, stiffness, and postural imbalances. For adults with scoliosis, physiotherapy Grande Prairie offers targeted approaches that help manage symptoms, enhance mobility, and improve quality of life. Understanding the unique needs of scoliosis patients is critical to developing a well-rounded treatment plan that addresses pain, strengthens muscles, and promotes better alignment. Grande Prairie physiotherapy services are dedicated to supporting scoliosis patients every step of the way.
Symptoms of Scoliosis in Adults
Here are the key symptoms of scoliosis in adults:
- Uneven Shoulders, Hips, or Waistline: Adults with scoliosis may notice one shoulder, hip, or side of the waist appearing higher or more pronounced due to the abnormal spinal curvature.
- Chronic Back Pain: Persistent lower back pain is a common symptom, often due to the degeneration of spinal discs and joints, as scoliosis places additional stress on the spine.
- Visible Spinal Curvature: A noticeable side-to-side curvature of the spine may become more evident over time, especially when standing or bending forward.
Five Physiotherapy Strategies For Adult Scoliosis
Explore targeted exercises and physiotherapy in Grande Prairie designed to alleviate scoliosis symptoms and enhance mobility.
1. Schroth Method for Scoliosis
The Schroth Method for Scoliosis is a comprehensive approach using specific exercises to address the three-dimensional aspect of scoliosis. These exercises focus on elongating the spine, breathing techniques, and postural alignment based on individual curvature patterns. Tailored to the individual’s unique scoliosis curve, they help correct muscle imbalances and improve posture.
- Exercises involved include Rotational Angular Breathing (RAB), which focuses on correcting ribcage rotation by teaching patients to breathe into the collapsed side of their ribcage. While standing or sitting, patients are guided to breathe deeply into the concave side of their back or chest, expanding the ribcage and exhaling slowly while elongating the spine.
- Another exercise is pelvic corrections, which help to align the pelvis, which becomes tilted or rotated in scoliosis. In this exercise, patients stand with their back against a wall, tilt the pelvis backward while maintaining contact with the wall, and engage the core muscles.
- Spinal Elongation stretches and lengthens the spine to counteract the curve. It is achieved by sitting or lying down and focusing on lengthening the spine by pulling the head upwards and elongating the torso. These exercises improve posture, reduce curvature, and enhance breathing and spinal elongation.
2. Manual Therapy
Manual Therapy for scoliosis involves hands-on techniques to relieve tightness and pain in the muscles and joints around the spine, improve mobility in restricted areas, and restore proper spinal function.
- Techniques include Soft Tissue Mobilization, where a physiotherapist applies pressure to tight, overworked muscles using kneading, friction, and stretching motions to relieve stiffness. Joint Mobilization involves gentle oscillatory movements applied to stiff spine segments to increase the range of motion.
- Additionally, Myofascial Release targets the fascia (connective tissue around muscles) to release tension and improve mobility through sustained pressure. Manual therapy reduces pain, improves joint mobility, and alleviates muscle tension caused by scoliosis.
3. Core Strengthening and Stability Exercises
Core Strengthening and Stability Exercises are essential in managing scoliosis. They strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, particularly the deep abdominal, back, and pelvic muscles.
- Exercises include Planks, which enhance the deep abdominal muscles (transverse abdominis) and support spinal stability. Patients start in a forearm plank position with elbows directly under their shoulders, maintaining a straight body line while engaging the core.
- Bridges focus on strengthening the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings. They are achieved by lying on the back with knees bent, lifting the hips, squeezing the glutes, and slowly lowering.
- Stability Ball Workouts engage core muscles and promote balance and proper spinal alignment. Patients sit on a stability ball with feet flat on the ground, engaging the core to maintain balance while performing small pelvic tilts or marching motions. These exercises enhance spinal stability, reduce curve progression, and improve posture.
4. Stretching and Flexibility Training
Stretching and Flexibility Training for scoliosis patients aims to lengthen tight muscles that pull the spine out of alignment.
- Exercises target specific areas, particularly the concave side of the curve, to relieve tension and improve flexibility. Hamstring Stretching addresses tight hamstrings that exacerbate postural problems. It is achieved by sitting with one leg extended, reaching towards the toes on the extended leg, and holding the stretch.
- Lateral Stretching targets the concave side muscles of the scoliosis curve. It is performed by standing with feet, reaching one arm overhead, and gently leaning to the side. Stretching reduces muscle imbalances and enhances the spine’s range of motion.
5. Postural Reeducation and Functional Training
Postural re-education and Functional Training physiotherapy for scoliosis patients on how to align their spine during daily activities, reducing spinal strain and preventing curve progression.
- Standing Posture Correction teaches proper alignment by standing with the back against a wall, ensuring the head, shoulders, and hips touch the wall while elongating the spine. Lifting Techniques help patients avoid spinal strain by practicing squatting with a straight back to pick up objects, engaging the core, and maintaining a neutral spine.
- Ergonomic Sitting Posture ensures proper spinal alignment while sitting, with feet flat on the floor at 90 degrees of the knee and the back supported by a chair. Postural reeducation reduces spinal strain, improves posture, and enhances movement confidence.
Take the First Step Towards a Healthier Spine
Managing scoliosis doesn’t have to be a lifelong battle. With the correct physiotherapy in Grande Prairie approaches, adults with scoliosis can experience pain relief, improved posture, and better spinal alignment. At Junction Point Physical Therapy in Grande Prairie, we are here to help you. If a loved one is struggling with scoliosis and searching for a “physiotherapist near me,” contact us every step of the way to book an appointment in our physiotherapy clinic today.
Let us help you regain control and improve your spinal health—because your well-being matters!
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