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scoliosis resources brisbane

Valuable information and our frequently asked questions

FAQ's 

FAQ's

Can I fix my scoliosis?

Whether your curvature can become straighter, improve, stabilise or possibly continue to worsen is dependent on a number of factors including age, the degree of curvature of the spine, locations of curvatures, type of scoliosis and presence or absence of other clinical features such as hypermobility, low tone and your genetics. In adults with scoliosis slowing progression is possible in most cases, in growing kids and teens this is much harder to determine. Our team can calculate the risk of progression and the likelihood of conservative treatment being successful to prevent surgery for each individual. Nonetheless, treatments such as exercises for scoliosis can play a crucial role in posture, symptom management, and improving function and quality of life.

The likelihood of curvatures progressing is dependent on a number of factors, typically curvatures that are at high risk are those with known progression >5 degrees Cobb between scans, as well as those with significant growth ahead with a curve already >20 degrees Cobb, so the younger the child at onset of scoliosis the more likely the curvature is to progress to surgical range, family history of scoliosis is another risk factor as their is genetic predisposition to vertebral deformity.

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Is my childs' scoliosis going to progress?
 

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Can curvatures worsen in in adulthood?
 

Curvatures over 50 degrees are known to worsen in adulthood at an average of 0.5 up to 2 degrees per year, this is why surgery is often considered in curvatures exceeding this angle at skeletal maturity. The decision for surgery is one of stabilising the curvatures and could be seen as a preventative measure. For adults living with scoliosis, exercises can help with preventing progression of curvatures and maintaining function and quality of life.

What is the best exercise for scoliosis?

Exercises specific to scoliosis are becoming an increasingly common and favoured treatment of scoliosis. Exercise therapy as per Schroth method for scoliosis is usually recommended by your physician as a first line treatment of scoliosis, sometimes in combination with a brace, or while awaiting surgery. There are many differences of scoliosis specific exercises to traditional exercises. The program design and approach, is determined by the patients age, absence/presence of symptoms, and risk of curve progression, and the quality is determined by the training and experience of the therapist/s; typically, PSSE physiotherapy is only performed by professionally trained instructors.

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What is scoliosis specific exercise?​​

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The primary goal of scoliosis specific exercise is to influence the "progressive cycle" that occurs with structural postural conditions. The spine is designed to sit with balance: that is, the head on top of shoulders, on top of ribcage, on top of pelvis, hip and ankles. Disturbance in the balance of the system means compensations occur and the body looks at strategies to maintain upright posture in response, this can results in increased loads on certain structures of the spine.

 

For those growing, that is, a lateral spinal curvature produces asymmetrical loading of the skeletally immature spine, which in turn, causes asymmetrical growth and a progressive wedging deformity. Offloading the growth plate and opposing these forces encourages more symmetrical vertebral growth and a slowing/prevention of further changes in the scoliosis, and in some cases improvement. For adults, the goals is to prevent further asymmetrical degenerative changes and loss in ligamentous strength that leads to progression of the scoliosis with aging.

 

Scoliosis specific exercises teach the person to "hold out of their curve",/ and often including exercises that oppose the curve/ achieve maximal correction. Once able to maintain this posture, strengthening of the spinal musculature is added. Through the exercises the body is able to return to a more ‘normal’ physiological position and lessen the progressive "cycle" through improving posture and restoring muscle symmetry as well as offloading structures that may have been overloaded and contributing to pain. 

 

Stoke’s Vicious Cycle of Pathogenesis:  Adapted from, “Scoliosis and the Human Spine” by Martha C. Hawes (2002)

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What is the evidence for each school?

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The SOSORT states that physiotherapy and exercise therapy used for the treatment of AIS differs from nonspecific exercises and physiotherapy in that it aims at treating three-dimensional nature of scoliosis and includes the following principles; self-correction of posture and spinal strengthening of key muscle groups, and patient education on postural modifications and integration into daily activities . The frequency of PSSE physiotherapy varies from 2 to 7 days per week. 

 

The most well-known PSSE physiotherapy schools operating under the SOSORT are as follows:

  • Schroth, Germany;

  • Lyon, France;

  • SEAS (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis), Italy;

  • BSPTS (Scoliosis Physical Therapy School), Spain;

  • Side Shift, UK;

  • DoboMed, Poland; and

  • FITS (Functional Individual Therapy of Scoliosis), Poland

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Supporting research exists for each of these methods, and therapists often use a number of methods for their patients (Marchese et al), thus, there has been a move in recent years toward collectively naming the exercises from each of these schools as "scoliosis specific exercise".

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  • “Rehabilitation schools for scoliosis” thematic series: describing the methods and results. Scoliosis 2010, 5:27

https://scoliosisjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1748-7161-5-27

 

 

What is the “Schroth Method”?

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The Schroth Method is a specialised form of exercise therapy specific to the 3D nature of Scoliosis - considering the flattening of usual curves in sagittal plane, the side bending in the frontal plane, and the rotations in the transverse plane. It was developed by Katerina Schroth, a Physiotherapist in Germany, and is the oldest, most widely used and most researched method of physical therapy/ exercise in the treatment of Scoliosis with various studies supporting its use. 

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  • Three-dimensional treatment for scoliosis. A physiotherapeutic method to improve deformities of the spine. Palo Alto, CA, The Martindale Press 2007

https://scoliosisjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1748-7161-6-17

What is the best bracing for scoliosis?

Brace treatment is the most common noninvasive treatment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS); bracing for scoliosis is usually recommended by your physician with a plastic brace which covers the trunk or part of the trunk and is usually worn full-time (16-23hrs).Bracing success is defined by preventing the curvatures from progressing and is used in growing spines where there is progression or high risk of curve progression. There are many brace types that differ in design and approach, often the brace success is determined by the expertise of the team and therapists involved in the brace design, make and fit.

 

Symmetrical, asymmetrical or side-bending braces?

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Symmetric braces such as Boston Brace, Milwaukee and Wilmington are designed to hug and hold the trunk and use a compression squeezing effect to elongate the spine This brace style is worn 18–23 hours per day. Thi brace does not address the rotation or flat back affects of scoliosis (Weiss & Turnbull 2020b). Of these symmetrical braces, the Boston brace is most commonly used and is 70-72% effective  (Nachemson & Peterson 1995, (Weinstein et al. 2013).

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Asymmetric back braces such as the Cheneau-style brace have a unique curve pattern and 3D design to addresses all three planes, considering the flattening of usual curves in sagittal plane, the side bending in the frontal plane, and the rotations in the transverse plane. There are areas of increased pressure to move the curvature into correction and voids/expansions for allowing the ribs and spine to migrate into the corrective directions, and for easier breathing. These braces strive for best possible in brace correction which aims to improve the curve (when possible), this brace is able to reach curves >40degrees in Cobb with good effect (Weiss et al 2017).  Each Cheneau-Gensingen is Schroth method compatible. These braces have shown to be up to 92% effective in preventing progression of scoliosis with just >13 hours of brace wear.

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  • "Brace technology" thematic series - the Gensingen brace™ 

https://scoliosisjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1748-7161-5-22

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Night-time side-bending braces such as Charleston or Providence brace, are as effective as full time symmetrical braces with 78% success rate, Unfortunately these are not yet used in Australia, however asymmetrical braces could offer a similar effect without creating any compensations above or below. Night-time braces are usually worn for 8h overnight (Davis et al. 2019; Simony et al. 2019), and is used for milder curves on the cusp of a bracing recommendation or where full time bracing is being refused.

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3D Scoliosis Brace for major thoracic curve 
3D Scoliosis Brace for thoracic and lumbar curve "S curve"
3D Scoliosis Brace for major lumbar curve "C curve"

Do soft braces or off the counter braces help?

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Soft braces such as SpineCor and the Scoliosis Activity Suit have become available as an alternative more comfortable option to the standard back brace for scoliosis. Most physicians do not advocate soft back braces for growing kids/ teenagers with scoliosis and research in this area is very limited. Studies have shown the SpineCor brace (soft brace) when compared to a hard brace was associated with increased curve progression and increased risk of requiring surgery (Gutman et al 2016, Wong et al. and Guo et al).  Over-the-counter braces or brace purchased online are not an effective management strategy for those with scoliosis, as they are not not customised enough to the patient or their curves.

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Night time, part time or full time, which is best?

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Rigid full-time brace wear (16-23hrs/day) has the best success rate of 73.2% (61–86%) for symmetrical braces and up to 92% for asymmetrical braces (Weiss et al). Night-time braces worn (8hrs/day) have a success rate of 78.7% (72–85%) (D’Amato, Griggs & McCoy 2001, Price et al 1990). Increased brace wear has been linked with improved success rate, therefore we recommend the brace be as much as possible, part-time or night bracing might be recommended in some cases as a first-point of treatment with potential to move to full time bracing if the curve continue to progress. 

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Why is it important to do specialised exercise therapy alongside brace wearing?

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​Exercises as per Schroth method have shown to be superior to preventing progression in scoliosis through growth (and helping with improvement in the Cobb) than bracing alone (Kwan et al 2017) .Clients wearing an asymmetrical brace are encouraged to perform their scoliosis specific exercise program, throughout their bracing, and especially during brace weaning to avoid regression of the curvature once the brace is removed (Zaina et al 2009).

Other common questions

What is an EOS Scan, is it safe?

An EOS scan is a low dose radiation scan of the spine that provides a full spine image with important postural information relevant to your scoliosis or postural condition. These scans can be done at regularly intervals to assess for any progression of scoliosis throughout growth, usually 4-6monthly, and allow for multiple scans with minimal radiation which is better for overall health and reduced risk of cancers. The scan is also performed in-brace to assess for brace-effectiveness and inform the orthotist of necessary adjustments that may need to be made to improve brace-effect.​​

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Is joint hyper-mobility linked to scoliosis? 

YES!, there is a higher incidence of hypermobility in those with scoliosis, and often this is the reason for pain with scoliosis as the postural muscles must work harder to maintain erect postures under the effect of gravity, which can cause an increase in the muscle tone over the outside of the curve and often muscle pains.

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Does postural stability differ between adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis and typically developed?

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Yes! those with scoliosis have increased postural sway in all planes, meaning there is a disturbance in the body's ability to find its point of balance/ support, that is why specialised physiotherapy works to improve spinal balance. 

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Does pregnancy increase curve progression in women with scoliosis treated without surgery?

 

No! pregnancy has not been linked to an increased risk of scoliosis progression

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RESEARCH

Research

exercise

Specialised exercise in Scheuermann's 

In a randomised control trial, back exercises in general, and Schroth therapy in particular, is an effective treatment for preventing and significantly improving the thoracic Cobb angle and symptomatic representation in Scheuermann’s patients (Bezalel et al 2019).One study looking at Schroth exercises in young female and male adults with thoracic and thoracolumbar Scheuermann's kyphosis showed improvement in pain with intensive rehabilitation (Weis et al). 

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Effect of Intensive Rehabilitation on Pain in Patients with Scheuermann’s Disease

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The Effect of Schroth Therapy on Thoracic Kyphotic Curve and Quality of Life in Scheuermann’s Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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Brace treatment for patients with Scheuermann's disease - a review of the literature and first experiences with a new brace design

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 Specialised Exercise for scoliosis in children & teens 

​Scoliosis exercises are helpful at any stage of your journey - whether you are watching and waiting or wearing a brace, there are multiple research studies supporting their use, especially during the period of monitoring where they were shown to be superior than monitoring alone in lessening risk of progression and in some case improving Cobb.​ There are multiple studies confirming benefit of adding exercises to the care of scoliosis, when it comes to improving posture, lessening/preventing and in some cases improving Cobb, as well as all of them showing improvement in muscle endurance and quality of life (Schrieber et al 2015).In syndromic and neuromuscular cases, exercise to improve respiratory function and 24 hour postural support subsequently benefits surgical outcomes (Vaille & Mary, 2013) and  prevents/minimisse the onset of associated complications(Ferrai et al., 2010).

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  • ​Physical exercises in treatment of adolescent idiopathic Scoliosis:

updated systematic review. Physiotherapy theory and practice 2011, 27 (1): 80-114 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21198407/

 

  • ​The efficacy of three-dimensional Schroth exercises in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a randomised controlled clinical trial. Clin Rehabil. 2016 Feb;30(2):181-90.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25780260/

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  • The effect of Schroth exercises added to the standard of care on the quality of life and muscle endurance in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis-an assessor and statistician blinded randomized controlled trial:

"SOSORT 2015 Award Winner” https://scoliosisjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13013-015-0048-5

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  • SEAS exercises reduce spinal deformity and improve quality of life in subjects with mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Results of a randomised controlled trial, Eur Spine J. 2014 Jun;23(6):1204-14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24682356/

 

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  • Scoliosis intensive out-patient rehabilitation based on Rigo-Concept, Studies Health Tech&Info, 135,  208-227

​      https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18401092/

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  • Effects of Specific Exercise Therapy on Adolescent Patients With Idiopathic Scoliosis- A Prospective Controlled Cohort Study, SPINE:

August 1, 2020 - Volume 45 - Issue 15 - p 1039-1046 https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/Fulltext/2020/08010/Effects_of_Specific_Exercise_Therapy_on_Adolescent.10.aspx

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  • Effect of conservative management on the prevalence of surgery in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Pediatr Rehabil 2003, 6(3-4):209-214.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14713587/​​​

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Specialised exercise for scoliosis in adults

​Specialised physiotherapy and specific, individualised exercise programs help scoliosis patients to overcome their symptoms and adopt a more balanced posture while also reducing pain/stiffness and stabilising/ lessening the curve’s progression without the need for surgery. Bracing is sometimes used for support and pain relief. One study looking at scoliosis exercises in adults with scoliosis showed improvement in posture and Cobb in 68% of patients (Negrini et al 2015).

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  • Rehabilitation in adult spinal deformity. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil. 2020 Sep; 66(3): 231–243.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7557622/

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bracing

Bracing for Scoliosis

What evidence exists for Physiotherapeutic exercises during bracing in children/teens?

​Combing bracing with specialised exercise programs are shown to be more effective than bracing alone, in one study the exercise group had better improvement in Cobb with exercises added 17% compared to 4% with bracing alone, more scoliosis remained stable with exercises added with 62% of curves remaining stable compared to 45%, and less curves progressed with only 21% compared to 50% (Hong et al 2017). (14.1%).

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What evidence is there for exercises during brace weaning?

​There are multiple studies confirming benefit of adding exercises to bracing in preventing rebound effect on removing the brace, and for weaning from the brace, as well as improving Cobb.

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  • ​​Specific exercises performed in the period of brace weaning can avoid loss of correction in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) patients: Winner of SOSORT's 2008 Award for Best Clinical Paper Scoliosis 2009 Apr 7;4:8. doi: 10.1186/1748-7161-4-8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19351395/

Is bracing effective in teens?

Scoliosis bracing is the most common non-surgical treatment often needed for progressive scoliosis especially in younger patients and is often prescribed by your specialist to try and stop the curve progressing and avoid surgery, according to one high quality study bracing was 70% effective at preventing curve progression and can be up to 92% effective if wearing a 3D style scoliosis brace (Weiss et al 2017).  Another study showed bracing and exercise reduced risk of progression to surgery significantly from 28.1% reported surgeries from the centre with the policy of non-intervention to 14% with bracing and exercise intervention (Rigo et al).

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  • Effects of Bracing in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis.

​    https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1307337#t=article

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8156678/

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  • A Prospective Cohort Study of AIS Patients with 40° and More Treated with a Gensingen Brace (GBW): Preliminary Results

​    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29399229/

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  • First end-result of a prospective cohort with AIS treated with a Gensingen CAD Chêneau style brace

​     https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6893157/

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  • Combined effect of Schroth method and Gensingen brace on Cobb's angle in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a prospective, single blinded randomized controlled trial

     https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36930467/

Is bracing effective in adults?

​The decision to brace for adults is dependant on a number of factors including whether there is a progressive curvature, whether or not they are a surgical candidate, if they have pain and postural decline that is not likely to respond to exercise therapy alone. Adults often need a combination of exercise and bracing is usually part time for postural support and pain relief.

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  • Non - specific chronic low back pain in patients with scoliosis—an overview of the literature on patients undergoing brace treatment. J Phys Ther Sci. 2019 Nov; 31(11): 960–964.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6879412/

Surgery

How do I know when to consider surgery for scoliosis?

Surgery for scoliosis is often considered when the curvature is at risk of progression as an adult and/or significantly impacts the patient's quality of life or poses health risks. The choice between a back brace for scoliosis and surgery depends on multiple factors, including the severity of the curvature, patient age, and potential for growth. 

Is there evidence for pre-hab in children/teens?

​Research demonstrates that pre-habilitation programs reduce medical expenditures, and improve patients' postoperative pain, disability, self-efficacy, psychological behaviours, and satisfaction with surgical outcomes. The available literature suggests there is an opportunity to improve patient experience, clinical outcomes and reduce medical costs with the use of pre-habilitation in spine surgery. Specific to scoliosis, intensive rehab in 5 days prior to surgery resulted in improved correction outcomes in rigid curvatures.

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  • Five days of inpatient scoliosis-specific exercises improve preoperative spinal flexibility and facilitate curve correction of patients with rigid idiopathic scoliosis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39325330/

Is there evidence for post-operative rehabilitation?

​​Postoperative scoliosis rehabilitation consisting of stabilizing postural and respiratory exercises, manual therapy and psychological intervention and pain treatment by medication, showed reduction in pain intensity and frequency. Chronic pain as a late result following scoliosis surgery can be reduced by an intensive in-patient rehabilitation, at least in the short term. 

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What outcomes can I expect after surgery?

​40 year follow up studies have shown similar pain, function and quality of life scores for those who underwent surgery compared to those who did not. That is considering those who underwent surgery required the intervention at the time, while others did not.

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  • The effect of spinal fusion on the long-term outcome of idiopathic scoliosis.

​https://scoliosisjournal.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s13013-018-0157-z.pdf

 

​The guidelines for returns o surgery differ for each patient depending on age, curve severity prior to surgery, the type of surgery, number of levels fused, and the pre-surgical health of the patient including and whether or not pre-habilitation was completed. 

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  • What are the timeframes for return to school and sport after surgery?

https://publications.aap.org/aapgrandrounds/article-abstract/32/5/55/90889/Regaining-Functional-Activity-After-Spinal-Fusion?redirectedFrom=fulltext

POST-OP
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