SCOLIOSIS PHYSICAL THERAPY VS CHIROPRACTIC

Nature has designed man in a way to boast of an erect posture. Any deviation in the physiologic curvatures of the spine throws the well adjusted spinal mechanism out of gear.

Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine. It is a lateral deviation from the normal curvature of the spine. The abnormal lateral curvature is often combined with some rotational deformity. The best example of scoliosis is “Hunchback of Notre dame.”

However, scoliosis can be managed and treated proactively with Physical therapy rehabilitation in the long run. The chiropractic approach is another mode of modality within the rehab program that can help manage scoliosis.

Functional problems associated with scoliosis are;

• Socially unacceptable cosmetic deformity

• Load and force transmission deranging throughout the spine

• Imperil function of vital organs like heart and lungs.

• Overcrowds the ribs

How can chiropractic help?

While talking about scoliosis, there’s a lot of difference in general chiropractic care for scoliosis and specific treatment for scoliosis.

The patient suffering from scoliosis experiences symptoms such as muscle spasms, shortness of breath, fatigue and it looks displeasing cosmetically. All of this drives patients to Rehab and Chiropractic care.

The patient demands quick relief, and general chiropractic care provides short term relief of pain and muscle spasms. The patient instantly feels better; because of this, he thinks that their abnormal curve is reducing.

However, in reality, the general treatment is only reducing body ache, pain and muscle spasms. The effect is different from undergoing a scoliosis specific program that provides a reduction in the abnormal curve.

Always remember that treating symptoms and treating the abnormal curvature is two different things. Opting for chiropractic care is undoubtedly a step in the right direction as it helps in the fast reduction of pain and spasm in the muscle.

A precise method and specified protocol for scoliosis are more effective in reducing scoliosis, not just dealing with the symptoms of scoliosis.

Physical therapy approach for scoliosis

The scoliosis specific treatment approach includes rehabilitation, Physical therapy exercises and chiropractic treatment approach. In addition, home treatment protocol and home rehabilitation programs also provide effective results.

This sequence of care helps deliver the reduction in scoliosis. This protocol requires long hours of treatment and exercise to get long term results.

Keep in mind that scoliosis is a treatable condition, but it is not curable. With a chiropractic approach, some of you might notice a reduction in the curve, thinking that your abnormality is rectified.

Physical therapy vs Chiropractic care

However, scoliosis is a progressive deformity, and it can reoccur. Chiropractic provides short term relief for scoliosis. It gives them a false perception that they have recovered from their deformity; due to this, some patients have negative feedback for chiropractic treatment.

While treating the patient, try to reduce the cause, which is the curve itself. The treatment approach should be multimodel, much more intense, and it includes different protocols rather than solely adjustment.

The Rehab exercises are performed to cater for each scoliosis patient to match their curve, their ability to get a specific reduced reduction in their scoliosis. The goal of treatment is to focus on scoliosis rather than just treating the symptoms physically.

The treatment protocol revolves around questions like,

• How to manage patients out of surgical realms?

• How much has scoliosis progressed?

• How do you intervene and try to reduce the curve?

• What are your outcomes?

• What are your goals for adolescent and adult cases?

• How much growth do they have remaining in the case of adolescents?

• What is the underlying cause of scoliosis?

 Based on these questions, the possible prognosis is defined by the clinician.

Studies have shown that if a patient has scoliosis of a certain degree, that doesn’t mean that they need Rehab or chiro treatment protocol. Before treating the patient, look for the cause of scoliosis. If it is a structural deformity, then scoliosis can be managed effectively. However, scoliosis due to neurological disorders is cumbersome and unrewarding to treat.

Schroth Method for treating scoliosis

The Schroth method provides a customized exercise program for each patient. It is a non-surgical treatment approach to help the patient with scoliosis achieve near to normal curves in the spine.

Goals of Schroth method

The three prominent goals of the Schroth method is to;

• Alternate the excessive rotation in the spine

• Elongate the spine

• Provide stabilization in the spine.

All of these goals are achieved through physical therapy treatment, and it majorly focuses on;

• The concave side of the body

• Realignment of posture

• Muscle asymmetry restoration

• Teaching the patient to be aware of their scoliosis, how to prevent and manage scoliosis

Physical therapy Exercises for scoliosis

Prayer pose stretch/ child pose

• Perform three repetitions with 20 seconds hold

• Sit down on your heels and fold your body

• Extend arms forward with chin tucked into the chest

• To add variation in this stretch, move towards the left and right positions.

• This will provide a beneficial effect on shortened and tight muscles due to abnormal concavity of the spine.

Alternative to Prayer/ child pose stretch

• Sit on the chair

• Bend over to touch your toes

Side plank stretch

• Repeat 3 times with 20 seconds hold

• If the abnormality is on the right side

• Lay down on your right side with your knees bend. Support your body weight on your right forearm

• Hold this position for 20 seconds

Cat stretch/cow stretch

• Adopt a four limb cat position, with hands and knees in contact with the ground

• Arch your back upward, with chin tucked down to chest

• Hold it for 10 seconds.

• Then move your back in an inward position, i.e. cow pose

• Hold for 10 seconds

• Repeat both of these positions 30 times

Standing side bend stretch

• Keep feet and shoulder-width apart

• Take your left hand and then reach it over your head to the opposite side

• Do the same for the right side

• Perform it three times with a 20-second hold

Bird dog exercise

• Get down on your four limbs

• Extend your right arm forward simultaneously extend your left leg

• Perform it with opposite limbs

• Hold that position for 3 seconds and then switch it to the opposite limb

• Perform it 30 times