Physical Therapy for Children and Adults with Scoliosis

Scoliosis affects six to nine million Americans. However, many think it only affects children, adults over 65 faces degenerative scoliosis. Studies show that physical therapy for children and adults with scoliosis improves lifestyle, relieves pain, and remedies the curvature of the spine.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a sideways, or lateral, curvature of the spine. The condition is most often diagnosed in children in early adolescence but can affect people at any age. Symptoms in children may include the following:

  • Uneven shoulders
  • Head not centered over the pelvis
  • Hips raised high or an uneven waist
  • The body leans to one side

Adults may suffer from degenerative scoliosis. Degenerative disk disease or spinal stenosis may lead to degenerative scoliosis. In adults, symptoms may include the following:

  • Mid or lower back pain
  • Abnormal sensations in arms and legs
  • Difficulty maintaining posture
  • Difficulty breathing

While surgery, including disk decompression or spinal fusion surgery, may be needed, many with scoliosis show improvement by following a physical therapy plan.

Physical Therapy for Children and Adults with Scoliosis

Many with mild or moderate scoliosis benefit from physical therapy, the most common treatment for the condition. Patients using physical therapy instead of invasive surgery can maintain their spine function and maintain a normal lifestyle during treatment.

Regular follow-ups follow a four to six-week therapy plan. Your physical therapist will create a custom plan tailored to your spine curvature. Following your custom plan will have the following benefits:

  • Pain relieve
  • Improved spinal mobility
  • Awareness of posture
  • Muscles around the spine strengthened
  • Improve your spine and prevent the worsening of your lateral spinal curvature.

If your physician specialist does recommend spinal fusion surgery, post-operative, physical therapy is vital to your recovery.

What to Expect at The Therapy Network

During your first visit to The Therapy Network, a specialty therapist will evaluate your scoliosis diagnosis by reviewing your physician’s notes and your X-Ray. They will also provide the following assessments:

  • Postural Assessment
  • Range of Motion
  • Strength
  • Balance
  • Pulmonary Function
  • Functional Mobility

Regular future visits with your TTN therapist will be scheduled to ensure that you maintain range of motion and postural control while living pain-free. A specialist will create a custom plan to fit your needs. The therapist will work with you over four to six weeks, and you will receive at-home exercises. It is essential to continue your at-home exercise plan.

The Therapy Network provides physical therapy for children and adults with scoliosis Appointments are available today at the Therapy Network. Schedule an appointment, and our professional staff will guide you through the physical therapy process.

The Therapy Network has six offices in coastal Virginia to fit your needs.