Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a common condition that often requires specialized physiotherapy interventions. Our approach includes:

1. Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaboration with spinal orthopaedic surgeons and orthotists, if bracing is necessary, for comprehensive care.
2. Observation: Regular monitoring of spinal curvature using physical assessments and X-rays to assess progression.
3. Physiotherapy Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE): Evidence-based exercises tailored to individual needs to improve posture and prevent curve progression.
4. Bracing: Rigid bracing for moderate scoliosis cases to provide external support and prevent further curvature.
5. Surgery: Surgical intervention only for severe cases that meet specific criteria.

Regular monitoring by medical specialists ensures timely interventions and adjustments as needed during growth periods.

Adult idiopathic scoliosis refers to the development of scoliosis in individuals over the age of 18 without a clear underlying cause. While idiopathic scoliosis commonly manifests during adolescence, some cases may progress into adulthood if left untreated or if the curvature worsens over time.

Managing adult idiopathic scoliosis requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the unique challenges and considerations of adult patients.

Treatment approaches: 

1. Comprehensive Assessment: Our physiotherapists conduct a thorough assessment of the spinal curvature, functional limitations, pain levels, and overall health status to tailor an effective treatment plan.
2. Physiotherapy Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE): Customized exercises focus on improving posture, strengthening muscles, and enhancing spinal mobility to manage pain and prevent further progression.
3. Pain Management: Strategies such as manual therapy, therapeutic modalities, and ergonomic education help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with adult idiopathic scoliosis.
4. Bracing (if applicable): In some cases, especially if the curvature is progressive or causing significant symptoms, bracing may be recommended to provide support and stability.
5. Lifestyle Modification: Guidance on lifestyle modifications, including ergonomic adjustments, activity modifications, and self-care strategies, promotes spinal health and reduces the impact of scoliosis on daily activities.
6. Patient Education: Empowering patients with knowledge about their condition, treatment options, and self-management techniques fosters active participation in their care and enhances long-term outcomes.

Adult degenerative scoliosis develops as a result of age-related changes in the spine, such as degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, and vertebral compression.

Unlike idiopathic scoliosis, which often presents during adolescence, degenerative scoliosis typically occurs later in life and requires specialised management due to the underlying degenerative processes.

Treatment approaches: 

1. Pain Management: Addressing pain is a primary focus in managing adult degenerative scoliosis. Physiotherapy interventions include modalities such as heat/cold therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation to alleviate pain and improve comfort.
2. Exercise Therapy: Targeted exercises aim to improve spinal stability, strengthen supporting muscles, and enhance flexibility to minimize the impact of degenerative changes and improve overall function.
3. Manual Therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and spinal manipulation may be used to improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and optimize spinal alignment.
4. Functional Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs focus on functional activities and movements to enhance activities of daily living, promote independence, and improve quality of life for patients with degenerative scoliosis.
5. Postural Correction: Education and guidance on proper posture, body mechanics, and ergonomic principles help individuals with degenerative scoliosis maintain optimal spinal alignment and reduce strain on the spine during daily activities.

Rehabilitation following scoliosis spine surgery is crucial for optimising recovery, restoring mobility, and achieving long-term spinal health.

Whether the surgery involved spinal fusion, instrumentation, or corrective osteotomy, post-operative rehabilitation plays a vital role in promoting successful outcomes and preventing complications.

Rehabilitation Components:

1. Early Mobilisation: Initiation of gentle mobilization and range of motion exercises shortly after surgery to prevent stiffness, improve circulation, and promote healing.
2. Progressive Exercise Program: Gradual progression of exercises focusing on core stabilization, muscle strengthening, and flexibility to support the spine and improve functional abilities.
3. Pain Management: Utilization of modalities, manual therapy techniques, and medication management as needed to manage post-operative pain and discomfort.
4. Bracing (if prescribed): Compliance with bracing protocols, if recommended by the surgical team, to provide external support and promote spinal stability during the healing process.
5. Education and Self-Care: Patient education on post-operative precautions, activity modifications, proper body mechanics, and home exercise programs to facilitate a smooth transition back to daily activities and reduce the risk of complications.
6. Functional Training: Emphasis on functional activities and tasks relevant to the individual’s lifestyle and goals to enhance independence and quality of life post-surgery.

Our physiotherapists collaborate closely with orthopedic surgeons and other healthcare providers to develop personalised rehabilitation plans tailored to each patient’s specific surgical procedure, condition, and recovery goals.