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Scoliosis Clinic

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a type of spinal curvature , which is characterised by a side bend and rotation of the vertebrae. In most cases, scoliosis develops without a known underlying cause and typically arises during early childhood to adolescence. Depending on the severity of their scoliosis, people may remain symptom-free for the majority of their lives and scoliosis is often discovered incidentally during diagnostic tests for other conditions. However, some people may experience different pains, such as recurrent back pain, sciatic symptoms, or shoulder pain.

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How can physiotherapy help?

While physiotherapy usually doesn’t affect the extent of the curvature, it can play a pivotal role in managing pain, improving function, and enhancing quality of life. There are various techniques that may be used to achieve your goal, from massage and manual therapy to exercise therapy. A specialised area of physiotherapy focuses on Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises, which have shown promising results in research. These exercises are tailored to the individual’s spinal curvature, with an individually tailored active auto-correction pose serving as the foundation for each routine.
 
Our physiotherapist Marie, specialises in the Schroth Method, one of several recognised approaches within Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises. These exercises are adaptable for people at any age and are especially beneficial for:
  • Supporting bracing therapy.
  • Preventing or managing pain in adults.
  • Pain management and strengthening for those who have undergone spinal fusion surgery.
  • Rehabilitation of overuse or acute injuries by targeting specific muscle groups impacted by the curvature.

What do your Scoliosis Sessions look like?

Our approach to physiotherapy is designed to fit seamlessly into your life, offering both one-off sessions and structured packages. Our first session consists of an initial consultation, where we talk about your past and current pains as well as your goals. We will then assess your spine and talk through your scoliosis pattern to establish your individually tailored auto-correction. Following the first appointment, you will get a sheet with your curve pattern and your auto-correction to practise at home. The following appointments are then used to review the auto-correction, and learn new exercises to establish a routine that works for you.

Since scoliosis-specific auto-correction can initially feel unfamiliar and might require additional guidance, our beginner package provides a supportive introduction to this approach:

  1. 5 sessions, including the initial assessment
  2. For individuals with scoliosis who are new to scoliosis-specific exercises and have not yet worked with auto-corrections
  3. Aim: to help you understand your spinal curvature and master your auto-correction pose. In addition, we will introduce simple yet effective exercises that can be practised at home.

For individuals who are already familiar with Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises we offer the advanced package:

  1. 6 sessions
  2. For individuals with scoliosis who have worked with auto-corrections before (e.g. by having completed the beginner package or previous work with methods like Schroth or BSPTS-Concept by Rigo)
  3. Aim: to help you integrate scoliosis-specific exercises into your broader fitness or rehabilitation routines, tailored to your experience level and personal goals. Each exercise is carefully selected to address your individual strength deficits and progressively challenge your body through resistance training and dynamic movements, as appropriate for your condition.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How many sessions do I need, and how frequently would I need to come in?
The number and frequency of sessions depend on your individual goals and the level of guidance you prefer for your exercises. In the early stages of your rehabilitation, we typically recommend scheduling sessions more frequently. This allows us to monitor your exercise technique closely, ensure proper form, and progressively introduce more challenging exercises tailored to your needs.

As you gain confidence and become comfortable performing your personalised exercise routine at home, we can extend the time between appointments. This flexible approach ensures you receive the support you need while gradually working towards greater independence in managing your scoliosis.

Do I need special equipment to do the exercises?
While a set of weights or a resistance band come in handy with most exercises, we aim to adjust the exercises to equipment that you already have access to.
I think I might have scoliosis but I’m not sure - what is the best way to find out whether this would be suitable for me?
The best starting point is an initial assessment with our physiotherapist Marie. During this session, she will carefully evaluate your spine to determine whether scoliosis might be present. In most cases, this assessment provides enough information to begin your physiotherapy journey.

In some situations, additional steps may be necessary to enhance your care. This could include a consultation with an orthopaedic specialist or obtaining an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis and better understand your spine’s condition. If these steps are recommended, your physiotherapist will discuss them with you during the initial consultation and will be able to guide you through the process.

Do you also treat people who have undergone spinal curve correction surgery?
Absolutely. Treating individuals who have undergone spinal curve correction surgery requires a thorough understanding of their unique curve pattern and post-surgical anatomy. Even after surgery, there may still be unfused spinal levels or residual rotation in the shoulder girdle and pelvis that need to be addressed.

Our physiotherapist Marie is skilled in identifying which aspects of scoliosis-specific auto-correction remain applicable for you. She will tailor a program to help you strengthen your core and body effectively, ensuring the exercises are safe and aligned with your post-surgical needs.

I’m currently recovering from an injury and I have scoliosis - Would this type of treatment be suitable for me?
Yes, this type of treatment can be highly beneficial for individuals recovering from an injury who also have scoliosis. Scoliosis often affects overall biomechanics, leading to uneven loading on certain joints and muscle groups. By addressing these imbalances, we can support your recovery and help reduce overload of particular areas.

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All of our appointments can be easily booked online. Alternatively you can get in touch with us via phone or email. 

Phone: 029 2021 4067

Email: info@physiospace.co.uk

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