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Tag: Scoliosis posture

How does Posture Impact Scoliosis?

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a curve in your spine that visually appears to move from side to side. A common misconception is that a scoliosis curve is 1 or 2-dimensional. It actually occurs through a 3-dimensional curve with changes in the bones at the apex of the curve. This 3-dimensional shape is seen all throughout the body! It is similar to the 3-dimensional shape that allows your hips and lower back to move in separate directions. These 3-dimensional changes occur all the way from when and how your foot contacts the floor to how your head and neck are positioned.  

Impact of Scoliosis in Children and Teenagers

Children and teenagers who have scoliosis will notice that these changes impact their posture and how they move.  Normally, the bones in the spine are rectangular and are evenly spaced from side to side. Children and teens who have scoliosis will have at least three bones in their spine that are larger on one side than the other. This is what contributes to the shape of the spine.   

Due to structural and postural abnormalities associated with scoliosis, it is important to maintain an upright posture and to avoid repetitive bending and twisting at the spine.  If your child maintains poor posture or rests into their curve, they can experience back pain and their curve may even worsen.   This will also cause more rotation of and stress on the bones of the spine. Your child or teen will need to maintain a neutral pelvis and upright posture.  This will prevent the worsening of scoliosis and overall posture.  A skilled Schroth-certified therapist can create a customized treatment program to help them learn how to use healthy posture and movement habits during their everyday activities.

Importance of Posture

So why is it important to develop and maintain a neutral posture? Think of a spine and the way it moves like a broken pearl necklace like in the image below. In this picture, the pelvis is the triangle and the spine is the string of pearls. Without a stable pelvis, the bones in the spine follow the path of least resistance and move further into a curve like when you drag the end of a pearl necklace and all the beads follow the path of the first bead.

However, if you take the end of the pearl necklace and hold it with one hand and then pull the other end with the other hand the pearl necklace will straighten. The same thing will happen when you learn to find a neutral pelvis and work on lengthening your spine with an upright posture.

Physical Therapy for Scoliosis

At BDI Playhouse, a Schroth-certified physical therapist can work with you and your child to learn ways to improve their posture while playing, doing sports, socializing, and during everyday activities at school and home. Schroth-certified therapists have special training to help children incorporate good posture into their everyday activities. This will stop curve progression, improve physical appearance, and improve health and functional abilities. We can work with you and your child to achieve any goal through the development of a healthy posture. To learn more about how we can work together to make those goals a reality, schedule a free screening  or call us at (708) 478-1820. 

Scoliosis Intervention

Scoliosis Intervention

Scoliosis in childhood

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Understanding Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a curve that forms in the spine that moves from side to side instead of maintaining a healthy straight path. The curve is 3D and includes rotation that can cause uncomfortable symptoms and poor posture.

You may notice:

  • Abnormal back shape
  • Difficulty bending/extending
  • Back pain
  • Asymmetrical posture and body strength
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Reduced capacity in breathing
  • Limited or decreased mobility of the rib cage
  • Decreased performance in sports
  • More serious effects if left unaddressed

The curve is most likely to change during growth.  Monitoring overall height and comparing trunk height helps indicate whether a curve is changing for better or worse.

What is a Schroth Certified Therapist?

A Schroth Certified therapist has extensive specialized training and has completed a certification process to ensure competency in the specifics of a research proven method that is used to effectively treat Scoliosis. 

Verify Schroth Certification for Illinois Schroth Certified Therapists 

 

Schroth Intervention improves posture through:

  • Postural awareness
  • Strengthening/flexibility
  • Improving motor control
  • Working with a brace for the best results (if necessary)

Scoliosis Specific Exercises are used to:

  • Stop the progression of the curve
  • Improve physical appearance
  • Contribute to general good health
  • Diminish functional limitations

 

What to Expect

You will have a one on one session with a therapist that will educate you on the changes that take place in your muscles and bones when you have scoliosis. You will learn about the uneven forces on your body and how that can impact your posture and movement patterns. You will become self-sufficient with scoliosis specific exercises which can play an important role in curve progression or regression.

  • Prior to treatment your x- rays will be reviewed and your curve classified for better understanding and progress tracking.
  • You will receive a full-body evaluation. This will consist of
    • digital photographs of your posture
    • assessment of your range of motion, strength, and functional mobility
    • Measurement of your trunk shape and lung function utilizing specialized tools.
  • The Schroth therapist will work with each patient and family to discuss the best options for exercise progression and home programming that fits into your child’s needs and schedule to insure you are successful with curve correction and management.
  • Treatment will include 1 on 1 sessions with a Schroth certified therapist to teach you scoliosis specific exercises. The therapist will also incorporate functional mobility and sport-specific training.         
  • After completion of the program and demonstration of consistent independence with the exercises, the therapist will continue to follow-up with you as you grow to ensure you are managing your curve appropriately and to address any concerns you have as life changes occur.

 

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