The most common scoliosis treatments are scoliosis specific physical therapy, chiropractic care, bracing and surgery. Fitness-based methods such as Pilates and yoga adaptations for scoliosis are gaining popularity among patients in addressing scoliosis related issues.

Children and adolescents with scoliosis must be treated during skeletal growth, as the curvature tends to progress during this period. After growth has stopped, scoliosis needs to be treated for postural improvement and stabilization of the curves.

Adults often seek scoliosis treatment for symptomatic pain relief or cosmetic concerns. Those adults who had scoliosis since adolescence should be monitoring their curves for possible progression, as scoliosis tends to progress slowly through the years. Changes in bone density and/or activity status often cause faster curve progression.

Non-surgical treatment of scoliosis has many health benefits. It has no risks or adverse effects. Conservative treatment empowers patients to work on postural improvement and leads to pain relief, resolution of postural asymmetry, and often the reduction of the curve.

Scoliosis-specific physical therapy methods evolved as exercise and manual therapy approaches to treat scoliosis and kyphosis. These methods originated in Europe and their efficacy became recognized through many years of clinical practice. The Schroth method originated 100 years ago, while the Lyon method originated 200 years ago. Both methods have strong reputation today and are continuing to develop.

Bracing is a very effective treatment for scoliosis. The quality of back bracing available in the USA has improved significantly within the last 15 years. For children and adolescents who are still growing indication for bracing is the Cobb angle of 25 degrees. In such cases effective bracing can lead to stabilization or reduction of scoliosis curvature. Combination of bracing and scoliosis specific physical therapy leads to the best clinical outcomes in consideration to postural improvement, curve reduction, and stability.

Brace prescription depends on the decision of a medical team. Usually, braces are worn full-time in the beginning (18 hours or more). Bracing hours gradually decrease as the child is approaching the end of skeletal growth, which is followed by night-only wear and a weaning-off the brace period.

Recently, the efficacy of night- time brace treatment for young children with milder curves became recognized for its effectiveness to prevent curve progression.

The night- time brace treatment can be effective for older adolescents who have passed fast growing stage. It helps to improve curve flexibility and to facilitate soft tissue remodeling which results in better postural improvement to symmetry and stabilization corrected posture.

Adult bracing is getting recognition to stabilize the curve during later periods of progression and to improve posture. Additionally elastic bracing can be used for postural support and pain relief.

It is best to rely on the recommendations of practitioners trained in scoliosis care for advice on exercise and activity choices. The recommendations may differ based on the patient’s age, shape of the curve, and bone health status.

The common signs of scoliosis progression are an increase in postural asymmetry at the level of the shoulders, torso, or hips, loss of spinal mobility, and an increase in pain and discomfort.

In general, surgery may be recommended for progressive scoliosis that exceeds 50 degrees. The patient should be well informed about the pros and cons as well as the medical necessity for surgery.

Physical therapy is helpful to condition the body and get in shape prior to surgery, which will allow faster recovery after the procedure. After the surgery, physical therapy is beneficial to restore strength, balance, and postural control and return to normal function.

In general, patients will be able to become independent with home exercise program soon after beginning therapy. Scoliosis therapy aims to empower the patient by providing the tools for self-help through learning how to integrate postural corrections into daily activities.

In most cases, the patient will need some form of ongoing care, such as a refresher of the exercise program and monitoring of the curve and symptoms.

Active healthy lifestyle and participation in recreational physical activities is recommended for patients with spinal conditions. For the choice of best fitting activities please seek medical advice.

For children and adolescents, the main goal of therapy is to stop or reverse curve progression. Bracing treatment is often involved in this process.

For adults, treatment is focused on pain relief, postural improvement, strengthening, modification of ergonomics, and postural habits to support curve stability and prevent progression of the curvature. Bracing can also be used for adults. The most popular forms of bracing are soft elastic braces for postural support. Yet, when indicated, rigid bracing can also be helpful.

Scoliosis can lead to pain and discomfort related to postural asymmetry as well as decrease in respiratory function if scoliosis is severe.

There are many support organizations available for patients with scoliosis. Please visit the Recommended Resources section of the website.