Scoliosis, or a 3-Dimensional curvature of the spine, often occurs when children are just entering puberty, which is a stressful enough time without also having to deal with a physical limitations.
Scoliosis comes in many shapes, and sizes. Some curves may resemble the shape of the letter “S” and others the letter “C”.
Scoliosis is commonly found in the growth periods around puberty, but is actually also found in many age groups. For example, scoliosis may be discovered in the womb, infants, toddlers, young children, teens, adults and mature adults too. Graham Therapy and Fitness, P.A. works with ALL age groups living with scoliosis in Bethesda, MD.
Scoliosis and Women’s health may also be considered when looking more closely at changes in the body before, during or after pregnancy, or changes in the body around the time of perimenopause, and menopause.
Scoliosis is found in both male and female bodies, but is more common in the female body.
There are different types of scoliosis:
- Idiopathic: The cause is not known in cases of idiopathic scoliosis.
- Scoliosis can be caused by neurological or muscular conditions although rarer forms are connected to neuromuscular origins, muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. Yet through a range of treatments, including scoliosis specific physical therapy.
- Congenital Scoliosis: scoliosis which develops in the womb
- Early onset scoliosis: idiopathic scoliosis that occurs between birth and age 10
- Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: the cause is unknown, is frequently found in families, occurs between ages of 10-18, more common in girls than boys. Boys may be affected as well.
- Adult degenerative scoliosis: in cases when scoliosis may have already existed but the curve progresses over time and with age related changes
- Adult de novo or new scoliosis: scoliosis onset is in adulthood and diagnoses after age 50, this may be associated with changes in the joints of the bones in the spine or the spinal disc height changes
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis: caused by a neurological or muscular condition, for example cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and more
- Syndromic Scoliosis: scoliosis relate to another syndrome for example Marfan’s Syndrome or familial dysautonomia syndrome and more
What are warning signs?
In general, there may be a lack of posture alignment in cases of scoliosis.
For example:
- the shoulders or hips may show that one is higher than the other
- the muscles or ribcage may show areas of prominence
- the head may protrude forward or be out of alignment with the body
- the shoulder blades may stick out
- the arms may rest on the hips differently
- the waist or skin folds may be uneven
In more advanced cases, back pain, a pronounced curve in the spine, or ribs that are noticeably more prominent on one side, may be a scoliosis indicator. Difficulty in breathing may occur, due to changes in the shape of the rib cage and breathing mechanics.
What are the common scoliosis treatments in Bethesda, MD?
Frequently for more mild cases some cases, conservative recommendations may include a “watch and wait” approach. However, Graham Therapy and Fitness advocates for early intervention including when working with mild curves.
Children with moderate and severe cases of scoliosis will often need more intervention than physical therapy alone. Bracing is common for moderate scoliosis. There are many braces available, two examples of more recent advances in the thoracolumbar sacral orthosis or TLSO include customized 3-dimensional TLSO braces like the Rigo-Che^neau or the Gensingen Brace®
Scoliosis curves from mild, to moderate to severe, the first step is the evaluation and from there, as a team, a plan can be determined.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Scoliosis in Bethesda, MD?
Our Bethesda, MD physical therapists can help you retrain your body to function more effectively with your particular alignment issues. In addition, physical therapy increases your range of motion, as well as builds strength in parts of your body which may have been weakened through misalignment.
Physical therapy is also useful for scoliosis patients in Bethesda, MD who have muscles and joints which have stiffened over time. Through manual therapy, your physical therapist will ease this tension, while redirecting movement.
It’s never too late to begin physical therapy. Request an appointment at Graham Therapy and Fitness to begin your treatment.
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