Scoliosis
Scoliosis, refers to sideways shifting and tilting of the spine. In reality, all scolioses (plural of scoliosis) are three-dimensional malformation of the vertebral column, not just on one plane.
What causes scoliosis?
While there are many causes of scolioses and vertebral malformation (e.g. Marfan Syndrome, neurofibromatosis, hemi-vertebrae, spina bifida, to name a few), by far the most common, is the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), often identified and diagnosed in the teenage years. The causes of AIS are multi-factorial, though leading experts agree heredity plays a significant role.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)
The following article contains general information and one approach of conservative care of AIS. Every patient and every curve is different – please contact us for specific advice for your own circumstances.
Treatment(s) for AIS
The most common treatments for AIS are: wait and see (monitoring for mild and slow progressing scoliosis), physiotherapy (specific exercises), bracing and surgery.
What is the Schroth Method?
Well and More Clinic’s principal Mark Wu is a certified therapist in the Schroth Method, a system of scoliosis assessment and exercises originated from Germany.
Schroth Method was developed by Katharina Schroth in Germany circa 1921, herself a scoliosis patient. She was inspired to treat her own scoliosis when she observed the pattern of air movement in a balloon when pressure is applied on the one side.
Over the next 100 years, Schroth Method evolved into a sophisticated system of assessment, classification, and individualised curve-specific exercises and bracing protocol. A recent meta-analysis (synthesis of findings from multiple studies) concluded that the Schroth exercises, when appropriately and sufficiently practiced, is effective in slowing and/or reversing progression of curvatures in conservatively managed AIS patients.
Next, here are two videos showing how Schroth exercises are done. Please do NOT reproduce these exercises on your own even if you believe you have a similar scoliosis. Your curve is unique and need to be assessed by a trained therapist for the most appropriate exercises.
Working with other professionals
We work with with general practitioners, paediatricians, orthopaedic surgeons to support patients diagnosed with scolioses and malformation and mal-adaptation of other causes, e.g. Scheurmann’s kyphosis and ankylosing spondylitis.
We offer online and in-person, one-on-one and group classes for scoliosis patients. We also offer pre- and postoperative care for patients who undergo spinal surgery, to help improve function and quality of life.
This page is authored by Well and More Clinic’s principal, Mark Wu, who has been a certified Schroth therapist, skilled in scoliosis assessment and management for more than a decade.
The above information is general information in nature, NOT healthcare advice. We strongly recommend that all patients with scolioses be assessed by an experienced health professional for optimal care.