Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an orthopaedic condition characterised by a sideways curvature of the spine.

It affects both adults and children but is most commonly spotted in adolescents. It can often be a silent condition with no symptoms until noticed visibly by a relative, carer or friend.

There are three main types of scoliosis:-

  • Idiopathic Scoliosis – This is where the root cause of the spine curvature cannot be identified and remains unknown. Idiopathic scoliosis cannot be prevented and is not thought to be linked to bad posture, exercise or diet. Idiopathic scoliosis accounts for approximately 80% of all cases.

  • Neuromuscular Scoliosis –  Associated with neurological or muscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and spinal cord injuries. These conditions can cause weakened or paralysed back muscles that cannot support spine development.  This can lead to a curvature of the spine. 

  • Congenital Scoliosis –  The least common type of scoliosis, affecting just 0.001% of the population. It occurs from embryological malformation of one or more vertebrae and is present at birth. 

Signs & symptoms of scoliosis:

Scoliosis presents itself as a visibly curved spine. The most common signs of scoliosis include: – 

  • Leaning to one side
  • Uneven shoulders
  • One shoulder or hip sticking out
  • The ribs sticking out on one side
  • Clothes not fitting well
  • Progressive back pain
  • Leg length discrepancy
  • Sometimes difficulty breathing in severe cases 

Treatment for scoliosis

Treatment varies depending on the type, severity, and cause of the curvature, as well as the patient’s age and growth potential. Here’s a general overview of the treatment options available: –
 
  • Scoliosis Physio – Specific exercises can be used to manage symptoms of scoliosis. These exercises are tailored to the individual’s curvature and aim to strengthen the muscles around the spine, improve posture, and in some cases, halt the curve’s progression.
  • Schroth Therapy –  Schroth therapy uses exercises to strengthen and stabilise the spine in a three-dimensional manner. Focusing on strengthening, de-rotating and elongating the spine through postural and breathing techniques.
  • Bracing – When scoliosis is diagnosed in children who are still growing, bracing is a common treatment option, not to correct the curve but to prevent further progression as the child grows.  Examples of braces include the Gensingen brace.
  • Surgical intervention – Surgery may be considered for severe cases of scoliosis. The most common surgical procedure is spinal fusion, where two or more of the vertebrae are permanently joined together to prevent further curvature and attempt to straighten the spine. 
 
 
 

Scoliosis Physio: How can we help?

At Let’s Go Physio, we specialise in the comprehensive treatment and management of scoliosis for individuals of all ages. Our team of highly experienced physiotherapists have decades of experience in enhancing and improving the lives of people with scoliosis.

For parents, finding out that their child has a form of scoliosis can be difficult to come to terms with. We acknowledge this and pride ourselves on taking a warm and holistic approach to patient cases, prioritising the well-being and unique circumstances of the individuals involved.

We can work alongside consultants and NHS staff should clients require surgical interventions due to the severity of their scoliosis or from secondary complications of cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury or spina bifida.

Benefits of scoliosis treatments and Schroth therapy

There are numerous benefits to using physiotherapy to treat scoliosis. Some of the key advantages include: –

  • Reduced cobb angle
  • Pain management
  • Improved confidence / body image
  • Prevention of condition worsening
  • Improved quality of life
  • Improved appearance

Scoliosis Physio: Next steps

We understand that the prospect of treatment can be daunting. To help make your experience as comfortable and as stress-free as possible, our team of therapists will work with you to create a bespoke therapy plan. If you’re interested in learning more about our services, or if you have any questions about scoliosis physio, please get in touch with our friendly team.

 

Get in touch

Appointments

Appointments are either 60 or 90 minutes duration. Call us on 01282 222720 to book now for for more information. Price on enquiry dependant on the length of session, mileage and travel costs.
Claire has worked along side our NHS Physiotherapist and Anais’s nursery to ensure she has a seamless Physiotherapy Programme that everyone can follow and understand in order to help Anais in her everyday life. Claire has made Anais’s sessions interesting and fun and Anais loves the time she spends with her.
Sarah Cottam, Bolton
Sarah Cottam, Bolton
Each session is tailored to my daughter’s needs and every minute is beneficial. I would recommend Claire to anyone with a child that has limited movement or requires help with moving around..
Mehwashe Nawaz, Nelson
Mehwashe Nawaz, Nelson
Claire played a key role in my daughter's development and her expertise was vital in achieving this. We hope to continue with Claire on further improving our daughter physical ability. For anybody needed physio help for their children, I would highly recommend Claire.
Parent, Burnley
Parent, Burnley
Claire is an exceptional physiotherapist, very calm, reassuring, and positive. We watched our son grow, going from strength to strength, achieving target after target.
Karina Timson, Widnes
Karina Timson, Widnes
We worked on mobility problems caused by my progressive multiple sclerosis which was challenging my legs and balance. Claire is a genuine, understanding person who I would recommend without hesitation
Trevor Crabtree, Barrowford
Trevor Crabtree, Barrowford
Our daughter Anais has Quadriplegic Cerebal Palsy and we were looking for a private physiotherapist to work alongside her NHS Physiotherapist on a more frequent basis. For the patience and understanding she has with Anais and her continued efforts we can only say thank you.
Sarah Cottam, Bolton
Sarah Cottam, Bolton
As parents we also learnt how to continue and help develop our son outside of his therapy sessions, Claire was great at involving us all as a family. Claire could see with us all working together we could help Parker achieve the unimaginable.
Karina Timson, Widnes
Karina Timson, Widnes
I would highly recommend Claire. She has worked with our family for a few years. Very professional, friendly and approachable. Claire really knows her profession, is extremely knowledgeable and gets the best out of any sessions with our son. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her services.
MT, Brierfield
MT, Brierfield
My daughter was 2 years old when we found out she had high tone in her legs and would need help with her physical movements and would need physio. Claire designed a plan and now our daughter plays in standing without holding hands, she plays on the floor with her legs bent, as well as moving side to side.
Parent, Burnley
Parent, Burnley

Get in touch with a member of our friendly team

01282 222720
info@letsgophysio.co.uk

Office 3
Northlight Estate
Northlight Parade
Nelson
BB9 5EG

Make an enquiry

Scroll to Top