Management of Adult Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that can either occur in adolescence as the body is growing rapidly, or as an adult due to a lifetime of abnormal or asymmetrical forces.  While adolescent scoliosis commonly does not cause pain, as we age the abnormal stresses of a spinal curve can create problems such as pain, instability, degenerative joints and discs, changes in posture, and even changes in breathing. Knowing what to do or what not to do with your body, and which exercises are helpful, can be challenging when you have adult scoliosis.

A physical therapist trained in scoliosis management can help you understand your body’s natural tendencies and alignment.  They can teach you the proper way to stand, sit, and sleep, and help you learn the right exercises for your specific spinal curve. Concepts including stacking, elongation, breath expansion, and core stabilization are used to maximize your structural stability.  This will help to reduce pain and prevent further degenerative changes in the body.