Physiotherapy: On this page I will be discussing the Schroth method of physiotherapy, which is the most common form of physio used for scoliosis. The Schroth method involves correcting the scoliosis curve in a three dimensional manner using breathing, positioning and exercises in order to be able to stand, sleep, sit and do much more in a corrected position.
Although the Schroth method hasn't been proved to fix curves it is good to use alongside bracing, to strengthen the muscles in your back into a corrected position to provided stability and reduce the chance of the curve progressing. The Schroth method also helps with pain and improves standing posture.
The Schroth method is different depending on the patient as it is customized to get that patients back into a corrected position. This method of physiotherapy can be done every day as part of daily life in order to improve pain, strengthen muscles, and correct the curvature of the spine.
The first dimension that is corrected is the main scoliosis curve. This is done by moving ones pelvis or ribs into position to elongate the back into a straighter and more upright corrected position. With practice this comes automatically and one can do every day things in this elongated corrected position.
From my x-ray it can be seen I have my major curve at the top of my spine outwards to the right, then my second curve at the bottom outwards towards the left. I can correct this by pushing my right rib further to the left to straighten out my top curve, and tensing my stomach muscles to provide stability and correct my lower curve. Rotational Angular Breathing (RAB) can also help in this process by taking deep breaths into the corrected position. For example I would breathe deeply into my left lung to pull my right ribs into the corrected position.
The second dimension that can be fixed using the Schroth method is the dimensional twisting of the spine. With scoliosis curves the vertebrae also tend to twist with the spine creating a rib hump or uneven hips. This dimension can be corrected by using several exercise that appose this twisting to put the back into a better corrected position and to strengthen and stretch the muscles so that they stabilize and become used to this corrected position.
For me, my right rib sticks out from the back, and my left rib sticks out from the front, because I am very twisted here. To correct this I pull my left rib in and twist slightly into a corrected position alongside the first corrected position. Exercises that can be done for this include; going into a pushup position on your knees, (so kneeling down like a dog) and pushing a ball or something to untwist your spine. In my case this would be me pushing a ball using my right hand diagonally to the left to get rid of the right rib hump.
The third way to correct a scoliosis spine is to perfect the posture so that there is no excessive slouching or standing in a hyperextended position where your stomach is sticking out. This is done by strengthening core and back muscles in order o stabilize the body and keep it upright.