29) How Physiotherapy Helps Tackle Scoliosis: The Power of Movement

  • Scoliosis
  • April 9, 2025
HomeUncategorized29) How Physiotherapy Helps Tackle Scoliosis: The Power of Movement

Scoliosis isn’t just a spine that’s a bit wonky — it can cause pain, stiffness, breathing issues, and knock-on effects throughout the body. But here’s the good news: with the right physiotherapy treatment, many people can feel stronger, move better, and regain confidence. Read on to find out how.

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways — often in an “S” or “C” shape — instead of running straight down the middle of the back. While a small curve may not cause much trouble, more significant curvatures can lead to pain, stiffness, posture changes, and sometimes even breathing difficulties if the rib cage is affected.

There are a few different types:

Scoliosis is more common than you might think, especially among teenagers going through growth spurts. In fact, according to the Research Society, idiopathic type affects around 2-3% of adolescents (SRS, 2023).

Spotting the Signs

Scoliosis can sneak up on you — it’s often painless at first. Many kids and teens don’t even realise they have it until it’s picked up during a Physiotherapy screening, or GP visit, or when a parent notices something “off.”

Here are a few tell-tale signs:

In more serious cases, the spine rotation can affect how the ribs sit, leading to breathing difficulties, back pain, or fatigue during sport or physical activity.

How Is Scoliosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam. Your GP or physio might do the “Adam’s Forward Bend Test” — where you bend forward from the waist, and they look for asymmetry in the ribs or back.

From there, imaging like X-rays or even an MRI can be used to confirm the curve and measure its severity. The angle is measured using something called the Cobb angle:

The Cobb angle helps determine whether the angle is likely to worsen and what sort of treatment is recommended.

scoliosis diagnosis
scoliosis diagnosis

Treatment Options: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

Treatment depends on the type of scoliosis, the age of the person, and how far the curve has progressed. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Observation

In mild cases — particularly if the child is still growing — the doctor may simply monitor the curve over time with regular check-ups and X-rays. Physiotherapy is usually started at this point to strengthen muscles, improve posture and reduce any asymmetries in movement.

2. Bracing

If the curve is moderate and the child is still growing, a back brace might be recommended. The goal isn’t to reverse the curve, but to stop it from getting worse. It’s usually worn for 16–23 hours a day — not exactly fun for a teenager, but it can be effective.

3. Surgery

Surgery is generally considered when the curve is severe (> 45–50 degrees) and still progressing. The most common procedure is spinal fusion, where metal rods, screws and bone grafts are used to straighten and stabilise the spine.

But surgery isn’t the end of the road — far from it. That’s where physiotherapy steps in to play a huge role in recovery.

Physiotherapy: What We Actually Do

Whether someone’s managing the curvature of the spine conservatively or recovering from surgery, physio can make a big difference.

In non-surgical cases, we focus on:

After surgery, physio helps with:

Jeremy’s Journey – A Case Study

Let’s talk about Jeremy, a 15-year-old student and keen swimmer who came to our clinic last year. His parents had noticed his posture seemed “off” and that he’d been complaining of a dull ache in his mid-back, especially after sport.

We did a postural assessment and referred him for imaging, which showed a 52-degree thoracic curve — classified as severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Due to the size of the curve and Jeremy’s age (he was still growing), a spinal surgeon was consulted. Jeremy underwent spinal surgery to correct the curve and prevent further progression.

He came to us about three weeks post-op. At that point, he was still stiff, cautious with movement, and had some weakness through his core and hips.

We created a rehab plan that included:

Jeremy worked hard. By 10 weeks post-op, he was confidently walking and doing bodyweight exercises. By six months, he was back playing modified soccer training drills — with medical clearance and a huge grin on his face.

Now, Jeremy pops into the clinic once a month for check-ins and continues a home program. He’s stronger, more confident, and pain-free — a great example of what’s possible when surgery and physiotherapy work hand-in-hand.

What About Adults With Scoliosis?

While most people associate scoliosis with teenagers, adults can develop it too. Often it’s due to spinal degeneration (called degenerative scoliosis), especially in people over 50.

Symptoms might include:

Treatment for adults usually focuses on pain relief, improving flexibility and strength, and reducing pressure on irritated nerves.

Exercise and Scoliosis: What Works?

A lot of people with scoliosis are told to avoid certain exercises or feel nervous about movement. But we now know that a well-structured exercise program — especially guided by a physio — can be hugely beneficial.

Some great options include:

We’ll always tailor exercises to the person’s needs, making sure it’s safe and effective. For someone like Jeremy, it was important to avoid twisting and high-impact exercises early on — but over time, we added agility drills and soccer-specific movements.

Common Myths About Scoliosis

Let’s bust a few common scoliosis myths:

🚫 “Scoliosis is caused by bad posture.”
Nope — especially idiopathic scoliosis, which has no known cause.

🚫 “Only girls get scoliosis.”
Girls are more likely to have curves that worsen, but boys can get it too.

🚫 “Scoliosis always leads to pain or disability.”
Not true — many people with scoliosis live full, active, pain-free lives.

🚫 “Surgery fixes everything instantly.”
Surgery can help correct the curve, but physio plays a key role in recovery and long-term function.

When to See a Physio

If you or your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis — or if you’re just not sure — seeing a physio early can make a real difference. We can assess posture, identify muscle imbalances, build strength, and help prevent progression or complications.

We also work closely with GPs, orthopaedic surgeons, and paediatricians to coordinate care when needed.

If you have any questions give us a call today on 9806 3077.

Final Thoughts

Scoliosis can seem scary at first, especially for teens like Jeremy who suddenly find themselves facing big changes to their body. But with the right guidance, support, and a solid physio plan, most people can move well, stay active, and feel confident again — whether surgery is part of the journey or not.

Movement really is powerful. And at the end of the day, that’s what physiotherapy is all about — helping you move better, feel stronger, and live life your way.

References and Further Reading

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