Describe the Types of Scoliosis Patients you see in Your Clinic.
In the clinic, I see scoliosis patients of all ages for rehabilitation, from as young as 7-8 years old, right through to adults and older adults. Most of these patients have adolescent idiopathic scoliosis or adult degenerative scoliosis. I also have some patients that have less common types of scoliosis, such as congenital scoliosis and patients that have had spinal surgery.
Describe Common Challenges Faced by Patients with Scoliosis?
One of the common challenges people with scoliosis face is not receiving the correct information about scoliosis, and with that comes confusion. When patients are confused about scoliosis, it is easier for them to become confused when deciding on a treatment option. It is so important that the time is taken to ensure that patients understand the 3D nature of the condition.
Often patients are told they have a ‘muscular imbalance’, when scoliosis is actually a structural condition of the spine. Often the exercises they have been given don’t address the structural deformity and so they haven’t seen results.
Another common challenge my patients often face is not knowing what general physical activity or exercise is appropriate for them with their condition.
Explain how you Help Patients to Overcome These Challenges.
One of the most important things for a patient with scoliosis is education. A lot of the rehabilitation session involves educating a patient on what their condition is, how to do specific rehabilitation for their scoliosis and what general exercise/physical activity and activities of daily living are best for them. With this information and guidance the patient not only has the best treatment for their condition but also is empowered to make the right decisions for themselves and their condition in their day to day lives.
Why did you Decide to Work in the Area of Scoliosis?
Prior to working with Scolicare, I worked as a general Exercise Physiologist. Even as a health practitioner, the information about how best to treat scoliosis is not well known.
