Physiotherapy – Well and More Clinic

How to View Scoliosis Radiographs

When evaluating a scoliosis radiograph, it is a useful practice to flip the film (if the X-ray was taken front-to-back, known as anterior to posterior, or A-P projection) as if you are viewing the patient from the back.

When it comes to scoliosis specific exercises, it is NOT just by bending your spine to the other side, or hanging off the chin-up bar. In order to slow down curve progression with conservative treatment, you need to expand the thorax and ribs on the concave side, de-rotate and de-tether the spine as you stretch longitudinally. For significant curvatures, a brace may be needed to complement the exercises.

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Early Detection of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a term derived from Greek, meaning side-ways curvature of the spine. In reality, all scolioses are three-dimensional malformation of the vertebral column.

While there are many conditions that can contribute to scolioses (plural of scoliosis), by far the most common is the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Please click here for a more comprehensive discussion.

What is AIS?

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a form of scoliosis where the abnormal spinal curvature primarily develops during the adolescent growth spurt. The exact cause of AIS remains unknown, which is why the term “idiopathic” is used, though most experts agree genetics and heredity play a significant role.

Early Screening is Essential

While the majority of AIS cases are mild, untreated or undetected scoliosis can progress and lead to more severe deformity. Regular screening by parents, especially during growth spurts, plays a significant role in detecting any signs of spinal curvature.

Treatment Options

Effective conservative techniques including certain specific exercises (e.g. Schroth exercises) and bracing are available in the mild to moderate cases (less than 30 degrees), however, early detection is crucial in minimising progression and improving the possible correction of the curvature. More severe cases will require orthopaedic intervention.

Recognising the Signs

As parents, you are the first line of defence when it comes to noticing potential signs of scoliosis. While AIS can vary in severity, some common signs include:

Uneven Shoulders: If you notice one shoulder appearing higher than the other, it could be indicative of spinal curvature.
Asymmetrical Waist: An uneven waistline, with one side appearing more prominent, might suggest the presence of scoliosis.
Leaning to One Side: If your child consistently leans to one side while standing or walking, or if the gaps between their arms and trunks are uneven, it’s a sign worth investigating.
Visible Curvature: In some cases, a noticeable sideways curvature of the spine might be visible when your child bends forward.

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Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy?

According to Wikipedia, the earliest origin of modern physiotherapy dates back to 1813, when Per Henrik Ling, “Father of Swedish Gymnastics,” founded the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics (RCIG). In 1894, four nurses in Great Britain formed the predecessor of the current Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

Circa 1921, following an outbreak of Polio at the end of World War I, the term physical therapy emerged in the United States, where physical education and remedial exercises were used to restore function in returned soldiers and affected children.

In 1944, the CSP adopted the current term physiotherapy for the practice and profession, and most of the British Commonwealth countries followed suit. Subsequently and seemingly without further discourse, physiotherapy and physical therapy have been used interchangeably among English speaking countries.

As one can glean from its etymology, physiotherapy is derived from two Greek roots: phusis ‘nature’ and therapeia ‘healing’. It denotes healing by natural means, not just physical means. Arguably the British founders who coined of the term physiotherapy, would have been aware of “physical” therapy in the American context, just they had aimed for greater ideals.

The purpose of rehabilitation is not merely re-enablement, but even more so empowerment. We honour these values by:

– facilitating intrinsic and natural healing potential in each person;

– optimising function from each cell to the whole person and the entire community, and,

– inspiring proactive wellbeing, self-efficacy, independence, and self-actualisation.

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Getting Better is just the Beginning

“Not only do we care for those affected by symptoms, we aspire to help each person function optimally, improve quality of life, and achieve his or her own potential,” said the Clinic principal, Mark Wu, physiotherapist and acupuncturist.

Good health is more than living without disease

Well Being is intentional. We help individuals exercise the choice of being well with a positive mindset and healthy lifestyle even if there has been injuries or disability.

Experience and Skills: We bring together experienced clinicians with a diverse range of skills in physiotherapy, chiropractic, and acupuncture, carefully tailored to address the unique needs of each individual. We are constantly updating our knowledge and techniques to ensure that we provide exceptional care to our patients.

Better Care with Technology: We harness the latest technology to improve patient care, e.g. diagnostic ultrasound to assess the progress of soft tissue recovery, pneumatic compression to treat lymphoedema and chronic swelling, electroacupuncture for better pain relief, etc.

Comfort and Privacy: You get better more quickly when you feel safe and comfortable. Each patient is treated in a private room. We provide soft cotton gowns and comfortable shorts for those instances where partial exposure is necessary during your treatment.

Our approach to health care is effective therapy, practical advice, exercises that fit your lifestyle, a sensible diet and sleep hygiene, visualising and breathing for mind and body, to truly help each person live well and stay well.

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