Goal Setting for Scoliosis Therapy
It's important to remember that management of scoliosis can make the most impact on curve progression around the time of puberty but it's still important for adults to seek treatment too. Even if puberty is long past and you had no idea you had scoliosis this whole time, it's worth finding out which movements and postures could be exacerbating to you. A common misconception is that scoliosis is a 2-D dysfunction as it appears on X-ray. What many people don't realize is that scoliosis is a 3-D change of the spine.Therefore, single plane motions such as forward bending, side-bending, rotation, etc. can work into your curve progression. Scoliosis treatment requires specific torque and counter- torque rotation to promote stability within the spine and trunk.
There are more layers to scoliosis therapy than you might think. Four primary goals have been outlined by the scoliosis management guidelines which aim to improve quality of life, psychological well-being, and disability 1 : 1. Improve aesthetics via postural correction 2. Prevent or treat spinal pain syndromes 3. Prevent or treat respiratory dysfunction 4. Stop the curve progression at puberty (or possibly even reduce it) Throughdiscussionwithyouoryourchild'sphysical therapist, you'll establish your own order of priority for these goals and add any individual goals such as participation in a sport or leisure activity.
Curvy Girls Scoliosis is an international peer support group for girls. www.curvygirlsscoliosis.com
When you begin treatment, the first step of the Schroth method is to address pelvic position. A scoliotic pelvis is often shifted laterally, tilted, and rotated. Since the spine attaches to the pelvis via the sacrum, the pelvis acts as the foundation where misalignment is first corrected. You can then expect for treatment to focus on spinal elongation and on derotation through individually designed exercises. One of the primary Schroth tools is strengthening exercises tailored to the individual.Typically, the ultimate goal of Schroth therapy is to build independence with the exercises and focus on the integration of postural reinforcement throughout day-to-day activities.
® Whether you or your child has a scoliosis diagnosis or suspect you have yet to be diagnosed, our Schroth and Functional Manual Therapy TM trained physical therapists can help you establish and achieve your goals. Request a Free Screen on our website to find out how your goals can be within your reach. 1. Negrini, Stefano, et al. "2016 SOSORTguidelines: orthopaedic and rehabilitation treatment of idiopathic scoliosis during growth." Scoliosis and spinal disorders 13.1 (2018): 3.
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Exercise of theMonth Trythis movementto improve yourribcage expansion
StaffSpotlight
Dr. Garrett Petry, PT, DPT, CFMT Garrett earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in San Marcos, CA. He also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and Exercise Science from California Polytechnic University at Pomona. After completing continuing education courses for
three years and a week-long intensive review session, Garrett passed the rigorous Functional Manual Therapy TM examination with honors to become a Certified Functional Manual Therapist (CFMT). Certifications and Training: •Doctor of Physical Therapy •Licensed Physical Therapist by the State of Illinois •APTA/IPTA Member •Certified Functional Manual Therapist, Institute of Physical Art (CFMT) Education: •University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Doctorate in Physical Therapy, 2013 •California Polytechnic University Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine & Exercise Science, 2008 Find Garrett at our West Loop clinic.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diaphragmatic Breathing: Lay on your back and place one hand on your breastbone with the other on your stomach. Take a deeper than normal breath in and feel whether one hand rises more or faster than the other. Feel for this on the exhale as well. On your next breath, try to have both hands rise and fall the same amount at the same time. If the movement feels jerky or disjointed, continue practicing until your hands rise and fall together smoothly. Once you've mastered diaphragmatic breathing while laying on your back, try it in sitting and standing. Practice for a minute at a time.
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