What are the effective exercises for scoliosis?
When it comes to exercise for patients with scoliosis, many may be familiar with the Schroth method — one of the oldest and most established approaches. However, there are several other institutions and techniques globally recognized through research, collectively referred to as Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE).
Here are the seven major school of PSSE.
The Schroth Method from Germany (1920)
The Lyon approach from France (1947)
Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis from Italy (1960)
Dobomed from Poland (1979)
Side shift from the United Kingdom (1984)
Functional individual therapy of scoliosis from Poland (2004)
Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School from Spain (2009)
Common characteristics among these techniques include
1.3D self-correction
2.Training activity of daily living
3.Stabilization of corrected posture
The duration of treatment for scoliosis depends on various factors, including the severity of the symptoms, age, and other individual factors such as flexibility.However, the practitioner can plan the duration of the therapy based on the degree shown in the X-ray film as follows.
✤ Mild scoliosis (Cobb <30°)
Regular monitoring every 6-12 months is often required to check if the curve is worsening. Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE) might be recommended to improve posture.When the patient has stopped growing, the treatment can be discontinued.
✤ Moderate to severe scoliosis (Cobb 30°-50°)
Treatment includes PSSE with bracing during growth periods (ages 10-18 years). After the growth period is over, if the Cobb angle is more than 30°, lifelong monitoring is still needed.
Physical examinations for treatment planning and continuous follow-up are essential. It is recommended to consult an experienced physiotherapist in scoliosis care to create a suitable treatment plan for you at Realign.Our physiotherapy team aims to deepen the understanding of scoliosis in Thailand.We have certified with reputable institutions such as Schroth Best Practice Academy, Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis, and Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School.
Reference :
Negrini, S., Donzelli, S., Aulisa, A.G. et al. 2016 SOSORT guidelines: orthopaedic and rehabilitation treatment of idiopathic scoliosis during growth. Scoliosis 13, 3 (2018).
