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 are the causes of scolioses?
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.
Does spinal manipulation help AIS?
We get asked this all the time. While spinal manipulative therapy (hands-on treatment by physiotherapists or chiropractors) may help reduce stiffness in the spine, there is no evidence that it alters the course or progression of scoliotic curves.
Scoliosis rehabilitation: Just bend your spine to the opposite side?
Contrary to intuition, scoliosis rehabilitation is NOT simply bending and stretching the spine in the opposite direction of the curvature. Changes require consistent active practice involving the gradual adaptation of the musculoskeletal system and progressive perceptual remapping in the brain. This is where experience and expert guidance are essential.
Here is an introductory video on Schroth exercises for scoliosis:
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 started out by Katharina Schroth 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, individualised bracing and prescription of curve-specific exercises, breathing techniques and activity modifications, designed to help elongate and de-rotate the spine, expand the concavity, slow down the progression and improve the appearance and function of the spinal curvature.
To date, Schroth Method is one of the best researched and widely practiced methods for non-surgical management of AIS. 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.
Here is a simplified Schroth classification for therapy and bracing:
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 together
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 in scoliosis assessment and management for nearly a decade.
The above information is general in nature and we strongly recommend that all patients with scolioses be assessed by an experienced health professional for optimal care.