The treatment recommended for scoliosis will vary with the individual patient. The individual situation, the severity and location of the curve, age, potential for further growth and potential for degenerative change will all contribute to finding the right treatment. When the curves are small and flexible, scoliosis specific rehabilitation may be the most appropriate treatment. For curves that are larger, or have a high risk of progression, an over-corrective scoliosis brace like ScoliBrace can be a very effective treatment. In adults with degenerative scoliosis a specific adult scoliosis brace to stabilize the spine is usually the most appropriate treatment. Often combining scoliosis bracing and rehabilitation leads to the best outcomes. Surgery is generally considered a treatment of last resort.

It is often the case that scoliosis runs in families. With this in mind, it is important to have children screened regularly if you have a family history of scoliosis, especially during their growth spurts (10 to 13 years old).

It is also important to check older relatives as degenerative scoliosis can start to develop around the age of 45.

We can assist with screening.

Scoliosis curves can worsen very quickly particularly during pre-adolescence. In most countries, proactive scoliosis screening programs were stopped in the 1990’s. If you suspect that a family member or friend has a scoliosis, it is important that they get checked. There is a free online app called ScoliScreen which you can use to understand the risk of a person having a scoliosis. Of course, the best way to check for scoliosis is to have a qualified scoliosis clinician do an assessment.

There is no good scientific evidence showing that general exercise such as core stabilization, pilates or yoga can stop a scoliosis from worsening or reduce a scoliosis. These approaches may be used in conjunction with a scoliosis specific rehabilitation program such as ScoliBalance however it is not recommended that general exercise is the only treatment.

Around the world there are a number of peer-led support groups.

ScoliCare has our own patient and family Facebook Group called ScoliConnect.

Curvy Girls is a support group for girls with scoliosis. The aim of the group is to support those with scoliosis and their family, and encourage interaction between members on shared topic of interests and daily challenges. For details visit curvygirlsscoliosis.com

There is also a group called ScoliBoys. For details visit scoliboys.com

Both Schroth and ScoliBalance are scoliosis specific exercise programs that follow the principles of the SOSORT international guidelines. Schroth therapy uses combinations of movements to derotate and elongate the spine back to midline in patients with Scoliosis and hyperkyphosis. Schroth theraptists will utilize several tools during sessions, such as polls, bands, bars and balls and have patients perform repetitious exercises with those tools. Schroth, also heavily utilizes corrective breathing to open up collapsed spaces.

ScoliBalance has Schroth at its core and utilizes many of the same corrective movements to derotate and elongate the spine, however, ScoliBalance in certain cases will take patients into over-correction past the mid-line to increase positive stress on the spine and posture. (This comes from the Chiropractic Method termed CBP or Chiropractic BioPhysics). The concept is based on the principles of mirror image in that if you take the posture into its mirror image the body is undertaking maximal strengthening in the corrected posture, aiming for quicker results. Schroth also relies heavily on props such as poles, pads, belts and sticks, which can be useful but relies on the patient to be strapped into non-functional positions. ScoliBalance uses equipment where absolutely necessary, e.g. sticks as a tool to aid in strengthening a corrected posture, however all ScoliBalance programs start in functional positions, i.e. sitting and standing, with the aim being to integrate the corrections and new posture into activities of daily living, as well as work, fitness and sport, from Day 1 of treatment. In ScoliBalance we will challenge the patient in a position of maximal correction, which sometimes is a mirror image position, and also train the nervous system and connection between the body and brain to help maintain the corrected posture.

So while Schroth and ScoliBalance are very similar. ScoliBalance takes the best of multiple methods around the world and the therapists are trained to individualize the program to ensure the best techniques are used for each patient. ScoliBalance is the only technique in the world to have incorporated physiotherapeutic, chiropractic and exercise rehabilitation methods and principles from multiple methods to ensure the best for each patient. This includes components from Schroth and SEAS (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis) and CBP (Chiropractic Biophysics) to create the ScoliBalance program.

ScoliBalance is a scoliosis specific exercise program that follows the principles of the SOSORT international guidelines. In this program ScoliBalance Providers teach scoliosis specific 3D posture corrections (ScoliCorrections) so that the patient learns how to improve their posture. From there they are taught exercises (ScoliExercises) whereby they hold their ScoliCorrections while they perform exercises specifically prescribed for them. The program often incorporatees the use of the ScoliRoll (for scoliosis) or Denneroll (for hyperkyphosis) to enhance the correction to the spine and posture.

Each patient is provided with an individualised home exercise program so that they can practice at home. We recommend daily practice for 20 minutes. In addition to this the patient is often asked to use the ScoliRoll or Denneroll for up to 20-25 minutes per day (depending on each individual prescription).

The ScoliBalance program is often used by patients who wear a brace. Once the curve in an adolescent gets beyond a certain size (usually 20-25 degrees) then the ScoliBalance program is generally combined with bracing. ScoliCorrections should be practiced without the brace on so that the patient can achieve the best possible correction. However, sometimes the patient will also be prescribed some general strength exercises to be performed in brace.

Adults can also be taught the ScoliBalance program however the program will be modified according to the patient’s signs and symptoms.

Yes. In this instance the program is modified to account for the changes that are creating the increasingly kyphotic posture in the patient. In some cases the patient may have hyperkyphosis and scoliosis and the program can also be tailored accordingly.