Physiotherapy Exercises for Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a fairly common deformation of the spinal column that can result in a number of unpleasant side effects like chronic backache or fatigue. While treatment varies depending the severity and progression of the curvature, one method that can be used to treat scoliosis is exercise therapy to "retrain" the spine to its proper shape. Through this, the diligent patient can relieve himself somewhat of the need for cumbersome braces and the like, regaining control over his health.
Other People Are Reading
-
Scoliosis
-
Scoliosis can occur for any one of three reasons: a problem with spinal development while in the womb, neurological or muscular impairment or something called idiopathic scoliosis, which is merely a catch-all category for any other case of the disease. The incidence rate of scoliosis appears to be somewhat correlated to gender, as girls are more likely to be affected than boys. Symptoms of scoliosis include shoulders that appear uneven and visually apparent lateral deformation of the spine.
Scoliosis and Exercise
-
While exercise certainly cannot provide a wholesale cure for scoliosis, regular physiotherapy can certainly help to minimize the impact of the spinal deformity on day to day life. According to Dr. Robert W. Lovett, M.D., scoliosis physiotherapy should include a mix of stretching and strengthening exercises in an effort to reshape the spinal column along the normal parameters.
-
Physiotherapy Exercises
-
Quality physiotherapy exercise programs for treating scoliosis could include participation in low-impact stretching and strengthening activities like yoga, pilates or tai chi (taiji). According to a survey conducted among individuals with scoliosis published in the book Backache Relief, by Arthur C. Klein and Dava Sobel, the most effective form of treatment for existing cases of scoliosis seemed to be yoga.
Benefits of Yoga
-
Beyond helping to function as an effective measure for scoliosis physiotherapy, regular practice of yoga can also serve as a training method to regulate weight and decrease stress. According to the experts at the Mayo Clinic, regular practice of yoga can bolster stress-management skills while improving your ability to relax. So in addition to potentially helping with your scoliosis, yoga training can help you learn to cope with the stress resulting from your scoliosis--a two-for-one benefit.
Considerations
-
The possible benefits from scoliosis physiotherapy will increase or decrease depending on the amount of time you are willing to invest. Regardless of your chosen discipline, you should aim to perform your scoliosis physiotherapy techniques at least four or five times per week, for sessions of 45 minutes to an hour or more. This level of practice will offer you the best opportunity to heal your scoliosis naturally.
-
