Children and adults with scoliosis, kyphosis or other spinal disorders (ages ~10 and older) can benefit from treatment, which can be initiated at any phase of curve development. Therapy can be used in conjunction with bracing and is especially effective with 3-D bracing that emphasizes elongation and de-rotation of the curvature. Therapy is not a replacement for bracing treatment when it is indicated. 
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Scoliosis Therapy is a specialized physical therapy clinic utilizing physiotherapy scoliosis specific exercises (PSSE) for the treatment of atypical spinal curvatures. The primary goal of treatment is to stabilize the curves and reduce the chance of progression. Secondary benefits of treatment include improved balance, stability, symmetry, pain and respiratory efficiency.
The therapist will develop a customized exercise program based upon each patient's individual curve presentation to address postural imbalance and muscle asymmetries. Patients learn to integrate corrected postures and movement patterns into their activities of daily living and are trained to become independent with a home exercise program. |
BSPTS Concept by Rigo and the Schroth Method
First developed in Germany in the 1920s, the Schroth method was one of the first forms of PSSE used to treat spinal disorders in Europe. Dr. Manuel Rigo, the founder of the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS), has built upon the original Schroth principles with advanced concepts developed through decades of clinical experience and research. Dr. Rigo's specialized scoliosis treatment and training is now known as the BSPTS Rigo Concept. Utilizing 3-dimensional exercises for sensorimotor and kinesthetic development, this unique PSSE approach incorporates elements of Schroth, but is technically and conceptually different than the original Schroth method.
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What is SEAS?
SEAS stands for "Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis" and is another form of PSSE that was developed in Italy. It is a cognitive-behavioral approach to managing scoliosis with exercises that emphasize active self correction and maintaining these corrections while performing ADL's or activities of daily living. These techniques may also be incorporated into scoliosis treatment programs.
What to Expect
Your first visit will include a review of your x-rays, a musculoskeletal evaluation and postural assessment using clinical photographs. An individualized treatment plan will be developed specifically for you.
- Classification of curve pattern (according to BSPTS)
- Scoliosis education and resources for patients and families
- Body mechanics and postural awareness training
- Development of PSSE Program to address the trunk and spine changes based upon patient abilities
- Instruction to help integrate corrected movements in daily activities
- Home exercise program with written instructions and illustrations
- Bracing assessment to ensure proper fit and function and recommendations if needed.
What are the exercises Like?
Physiotherapy scoliosis specific exercises (PSSE) are prescribed based on each individual’s curve pattern, mobility and function. They are designed to improve alignment through positioning and specific muscle activation with guidance from the PT. Various PSSE training programs offer certification to ensure the competency of the therapists who utilize these techniques. Wall bars, specialized pads, poles, therapy balls and mirrors may be used to help facilitate treatment. In order to be effective, the exercises must be performed at home on a routine basis.
How long will i be in therapy?
Treatment varies based on each individual evaluation. The duration of PT is influenced by each patient’s ability to learn self-correction and stabilization exercises, the magnitude of the curve(s), the risk of progression and the patient’s overall goals. Visits typically last 60 minutes and average 10-15 sessions. Extended treatment sessions lasting 90 to 120 minutes are available for patients traveling longer distances or have limited availability. The goal is for a patient is able to learn to perform a home exercise program consistently and independently on their own. Occasional re-assessments or "re-freshers" may be needed to monitor for curve changes or improve PSSE performance.
What do i wear to SCOLIOSIS therapy?
Comfortable exercise clothing should or worn to PT sessions. Manual techniques are used and good visualization of the trunk and spine is necessary for optimal treatment. For females, a sports bra, bathing suit or halter top and shorts or yoga pants are preferred. Please note that a racer-back style top is NOT recommended for very FIRST visit since clinical photos of the back will be taken and these can block the view of the spine. For males, shorts and no shirt are preferred during the treatment session. If you have already been fitted with a brace, please bring it to your initial consultation.
Where is the clinic located?
The clinic is located in a private home-based gym in Auburn, Alabama. The clinic offers weekday, evening and weekend treatment availability as well as extended treatment sessions to accommodate student schedules.
what do I need to start therapy?
In the state of Alabama, patients may be treated by a physical therapist without a physician referral. However, since scoliosis is a complex musculoskeletal disorder, it is best treated by an interdisciplinary team, so a referral is recommended. The clinic also requests a copy of your latest x-ray images (preferably on disk or in digital format) and should include a lateral (or side) view of your spine if available.
Please note that Scoliosis Therapy is a cash-based practice and does not bill insurance. Payment is due at the time of service (credit cards are accepted). Please contact clinic for cost estimates.
Please note that Scoliosis Therapy is a cash-based practice and does not bill insurance. Payment is due at the time of service (credit cards are accepted). Please contact clinic for cost estimates.
will my curve change with therapy?
The ultimate goal of treatment is curve stabilization. However, the flexible postural component of the curvature can be influenced by PSSE. Patients do notice changes in their body shape and improved balance and symmetry with consistent performance of their scoliosis specific exercise program. A comprehensive scoliosis rehabilitation program that includes corrective 3D bracing and PSSE may result in some curve improvement.
What type of brace is best for me?
Brace prescriptions are written by your physician, and you can help with the selection by sharing your treatment goals and desired outcome.
Each style of brace is designed differently and provides forces to alter the curvature(s) during growth and these are measured and fitted by licensed Orthotists. Skeletal maturity, curve location and curve magnitude also influence brace selection and additional considerations include cost/insurance coverage and vendor availability. Traditional braces are designed to stabilize curves or slow progression, and these are typically worn as either night-time or full-time braces. Newer corrective bracing designs (such as Rigo Cheneau braces) address the 3-dimensional changes in the trunk and spine and may help to improve curves and spinal alignment through growth modulation and by facilitating corrective breathing mechanics. Correction is often achieved with longer brace wear times and these braces tend to cost more than traditional braces due to their design and customization.
Several factors can improve the success of bracing treatment:
If you are having trouble wearing your brace or experiencing curve progression despite compliance, let your treatment team know so the brace can be assessed, modified or changed to another style if needed. Kids will outgrow their braces, so they should be checked for proper fit and function by a scoliosis specialist periodically as a poor fitting brace is unable to provide proper forces to the curve(s) and may even be detrimental.
- Keep curve below surgical threshold
- Stabilize the curve and keep it from worsening
- Try to correct or improve the curve
Each style of brace is designed differently and provides forces to alter the curvature(s) during growth and these are measured and fitted by licensed Orthotists. Skeletal maturity, curve location and curve magnitude also influence brace selection and additional considerations include cost/insurance coverage and vendor availability. Traditional braces are designed to stabilize curves or slow progression, and these are typically worn as either night-time or full-time braces. Newer corrective bracing designs (such as Rigo Cheneau braces) address the 3-dimensional changes in the trunk and spine and may help to improve curves and spinal alignment through growth modulation and by facilitating corrective breathing mechanics. Correction is often achieved with longer brace wear times and these braces tend to cost more than traditional braces due to their design and customization.
Several factors can improve the success of bracing treatment:
- Quality of the brace design and expertise of the orthotist fitting the brace
- Patient compliance with brace wear time (higher success with increased brace wear time)
- Early intervention
- Curve flexibility
- Compliance with a PSSE program
If you are having trouble wearing your brace or experiencing curve progression despite compliance, let your treatment team know so the brace can be assessed, modified or changed to another style if needed. Kids will outgrow their braces, so they should be checked for proper fit and function by a scoliosis specialist periodically as a poor fitting brace is unable to provide proper forces to the curve(s) and may even be detrimental.
