Scoliosis Screening & Corrective Exercises

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition affecting the spine which will commonly occur in the teenage years, particularly in growth spurts. Scoliosis affects the growth of the spine in 3 dimensions, the most notable change normally being a sideways curvature of the spine. There is also a change in the rotation of the spine and the front to back curvature of the spine.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis occurs in approximately 3 per cent of people. Scoliosis is more common in girls, with the ratio of 10 girls to 1 boy having a curve which warrants treatment. Scoliosis is often missed as it is often not a painful condition.
Signs to look out for:

• You may notice a difference in your child’s ribs when they lean forward, one side of the ribs may be more raised than the other.
• Shoulder blade asymmetry: you may notice winging of your child’s shoulder blade, or that one should seems to be higher than the other
• Clothes not sitting evenly: often T- shirts or pants/ skirts may not seem to fit correctly or symmetrically.
  

Free Screening

If you are concerned your child may have scoliosis we have a free screening program available.
Our physiotherapists will do a comprehensive scoliosis screening assessment. If it is suspected that a curve is present we will refer for an X-ray at Imaging Central which will bulk bill for Scoliosis screening x-rays.

If it is determined that your child has scoliosis our physiotherapist will discuss the most appropriate course of action, in consultation with your child’s GP.

Corrective Exercise

At Activate our physiotherapists have undergone extra training to provide scoliosis specific exercises. Scoliosis affects more than just the spine. Postural disturbances occur with scoliosis which can lead to muscle shortening and tightness, balance issues, muscular co-ordination issues and pain due to muscle stiffness.

We teach both SEAS and Spinecor methods of exercises. Our programs involve a very in depth assessment of both physical examination- assessing posture, muscle strength and length, balance and coordination as well as radiological findings from x-rays to confirm the diagnosis and classification of scoliosis. The exercises are aimed at correcting the postural disturbances that scoliosis can cause, and are helpful throughout all levels of interventions for scoliosis. The exercises can be done in conjunction with bracing, and will always compliment the bracing. It can be used to increase core strength and control prior to the end of the bracing period.

We also use Pilates principles to increase core strength and stability as well as postural awareness and postural control.
If you, or your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis speak to our friendly receptionists about booking in for a scoliosis exercise consultation. We also run scoliosis specific teen classes to allow teenagers with scoliosis to do their exercises under physiotherapy supervision in a fun setting with other teenagers.

To arrange an appointment please phone the clinic
on 9384 0544 or email: admin@activatephysio.com.au